Lemon Squares, made from scratch

Growing up, my mother made these for me. While I don't remember Nanny ever making them I've been told that the recipe came from her (or is also made by her). When I was in college my mother would send them to my dorm-mates and me and the obsession was ongoing. I think mom sent them to Raleigh maybe 4 or 5 times one semester and we could never get enough! I've realized that the "cheater" lemon square recipes that use lemon pudding or jello (whatever the cheater recipe is) are so artificial tasting and almost too lemony. These lemon squares are absolutely delightful. The subtle lemon flavor of these squares screams "from scratch" and I love the brownie like consistency.

Lemon Squares

4 eggs, beaten until foamy
2 cups sugar
1 1/3 cups Wesson oil
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 small bottle of lemon extract (1 fl oz.)***

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 7x13 or 9x13 casserole dish.
Mix ingredients together and pour into greased dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Dust with confectioner's sugar. Let it cool before slicing into 2 inch squares.

***I have also made this with 1 fresh lemon, the zest and juice, and had good results.

Squish *I mean* Squash Casserole

So, probably my all-time favorite casserole that my grandmother makes is her Squash Casserole. It's surprisingly easy and while I wouldn't call it "heirloom" material (that is to say, I'm not sure Nanny learned it from her family) it is something special that will always remind me of dinner at Nanny's. I'm pretty sure this is just an awesome concoction that Nanny came up with on her own... because she pretty much rocks the kitchen.

Squash Casserole

You'll need:
Fresh summer squash
1 small yellow onion
1-2 tablespoons butter
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
a little bit of flour
salt and pepper
1 egg
Herb Stuffing Mix
Greased Casserole Dish

Slice the squash into 1/4" slices and chop the onion. Boil the squash and onions with the butter until tender. Drain well and cool slightly.

In a bowl, mix the squash and onions with the soup, a bit of flour, and the egg. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Put a light layer of stuffing mix in the bottom of your greased casserole dish and then place the squash mixture on top. Top the casserole with stuffing mix and dot with butter.

Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

mmmm!! I usually make 3 small casseroles, and, learning from observation, freeze 2 and eat one. The casserole freezes REALLY well. :)

PS: the term "squish" is in honor of my best friend and all the fun we have cooking, frying, and eating squish. :)