Recipes: Sweets

I've recorded Mom's recipes here so we can keep them in use for years to come.  My inspriration fro starting this blog was to keep Mom with us in some way so I have kept to her original wording on each recipe with my own comments or additions in parentheses.

Lemon Squares
1 cup butter (All of Mom's recipes listed margarine but we know times have changed and she would have changed with them)
2 cups flour
1/2 powdered sugar

7 tbsp lemon juice (fresh juice - just do it!)
2 tsp lemon zest (I added this based on Ina G and think Mom would approve)1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
4 beaten eggs

Use a 9x13 for a thinner crust (I think Mom used 9x13) or a smaller pan if you want a thicker shortbread crust. Mix first 3 ingredients like pie dough and pat into pan. (Easiest in a food processor but be sure not to beat. Cut the butter into the flour until pea sized and then press into the pan with your finger tips). Bake for 20 minutes at 350.

Mix remaining ingredients together in mixer or blender (I love that she added that!). Pour over warm crust. Bake 25 minutes more.

Cut into squares (likely best to cool for 15 minutes). Yield 5 dozen (not sure how that is possible?). May sprinkle with powdered sugar is desired.

Nut Loaf
1/2 cup butter
2 cups flour
1 cup nut (I used 1/2 pecans and 1/2 walnuts - the nuts are what sets the flavor, so just play)
1/4 tsp salt
1.5 cups sugar (I cut the sugar to 1.25 and it worked fine too)
3/4 cup water
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

(I used a larger loaf pan, 5x9ish). Cream butter & sugar, add eggs, sift flour, salt baking powder and add to above with water.  Nuts next and vanilla.

Bake 325 for 1 hour. 
"Seventeen" Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
2 tbsp milk
pinch salt
food coloring

Preheat oven to 325. Cream butter and sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add sifted flour until just combined. Chill for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Roll out and cut into 3 inch rounds. Bake for 6 - 8 minutes.

Frosting: Cream butter, add vanilla and salt, Then add sugar alternating with milk beating until fluffy. Time the food coloring and icing fun!