But before we get to her apple pie, thought I would try something simpler, since who doesn’t like lemon squares? This recipe of my mother’s is what I would describe as a ‘sleeper’- simple and surprisingly good.
Ingredients for the crust:
- 1 ⅓ cup finally crushed soda crackers
- ¾ cup butter
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup unbleached flour
- ½ cup coconut
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Mix these six ingredients together and remove 1 cup of the mixture and reserve for topping.
Press remaining mixture into a buttered 8 X 8 inch pan and bake in a 350F oven for 15 minutes only.
For lemon topping:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 whole lemon, washed well, rind and juice
- 1 cup white sugar
- ¼ cup butter
Beat the eggs well. Grate the lemon rind, then juice the lemon.
Add the lemon rind and juice, as well as the sugar and butter to the beaten eggs. Pour into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened.
Pour the thickened lemon mixture over the crumb base. Then sprinkle the reserved cup of crumb mixture over the top.
Return to the oven and cook until topping is browned (about 15 minutes).
Remove pan from oven, cool, then cut into squares.