Lady Bird Johnson's Lemon Squares

Cookbook Category: Cookies & Bars

Mollie Parnis Livingston, a dear friend of Mrs. Johnson's, gave her this recipe for Lemon Squares, and it is one of her favorites. The cook at the LBJ Ranch kept them in the freezer so Mrs. Johnson could enjoy a snack or a delicious ending to a meal.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter

Mix the flour, sugar and butter as for a pie crust. Pat evenly into a 9x18-inch (or equivalent) jelly roll pan. Bake in preheated 350°F degree oven until very light brown, about 15 minutes.

2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 beaten eggs
juice and finely grated zest of 2 lemons
confectioners' sugar

Mix ingredients, except for the confectioners' sugar, in the order given and pour over the baked crust. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until set. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.