Optimism can be over-rated. Optimism is hard-work, often requiring an ability to overlook the obvious or turn a blind-eye to the reality staring you straight on. Optimism demands unnecessary devotion and adherence, a sunny disposition in the face of an oncoming hail storm.
Pessimism, as George Will has triumphed, is the ultimate solution. You are either constantly being vindicated or, on the other hand, pleasantly surprised.
For those sour moments, those hail storms of bad news and despair, I suggest a lemon square. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Lemon Squares
Recipe from Cooking Light Desserts.
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
COOK TIME: 25 minutes
YIELD: Serves 6 to 8
WHAT TO GRAB:
CRUST
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
TOPPING
3 eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar
HOW YOU DO IT:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan.
2. For the crust, beat 1/4 cup granulated sugar and the butter with a mixer at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add 1 cup sifted flour to the sugar mixture, beating at low speed until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gently press (you can use your hands) the mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
3. For the topping, beat the eggs at medium speed until foamy. Add the sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, baking powder, and salt, and beat until well-blended. Pour the mixture over the partially baked crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool on wire rack. Cut the squares evenly, then sift powdered sugar over the squares, and serve!
Caitlin
This post explains my disposition toward Memphis. Although some lemon squares might help, too.
Charles
You have a sour attitude? Really??
diana
I LOVE LEMON SQUARES.
Lee
Can you please tell us what are the tiny black dots on top of the lemon squares in your photos. Vanilla bean or poppyseeds?
Charles
Lee, I mixed in some vanilla beans, but omitted that from the recipe for the sake of convenience .
Lee
Thanks for the quick response. The lemon bars look fantastic, can’t wait to try out your recipe. I like that you added the vanilla bean. Nice touch! I made a pumpkin pie yesterday using your recipe for Ina’s pie crust – worked out perfectly! Thanks for your blog and recipes!!
Peas
I like the look of these lemon squares a lot. As one who can’t eat chocolate I find it easy to be pessimistic about dessert sometimes, but treats like these make it better for sure. Thank you for the recipe!