Lemon Squares

To assure a tender, flaky crust on these tart and sweet squares, the buttery dough is made by hand and then pre-baked so it stays crisp following the addition of the lemon filling. The filling contains chopped almonds, which rise to the surface during baking much like pecans in a pecan pie. If you're fond of limes, consider making this recipe with fresh lime juice and zest instead.

Makes about 3 dozen
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into tablespoon-size pieces
6 large eggs
3 cups granulated sugar
Grated zest of 3 lemons
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 7 lemons)
1 cup blanched almonds, chopped and toasted
Directions
Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour and confectioners' sugar. Using a pastry cutter, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gently pat into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish, and bake until crust is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer dish to a rack to cool.
Reduce oven to 300 degrees. Whisk together eggs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add lemon zest and juice, and combine. Sift in remaining 1/2 cup flour, add nuts, and stir to combine. Pour filling onto baked crust, and bake until filling sets, about 40 minutes. Refrigerate until well chilled before slicing, 1 hour and preferably overnight. Dust with confectioners' sugar, slice into pieces with a sharp knife, and serve.