MOM'S STRAWBERRY SQUARES

Sweet strawberry jam is spread on a lightly sweet sugar type cookie base, topped with a lattice of more cookie dough, and baked. Then they're dusted with powdered sugar for a not-too-sweet treat that's a perfect for any occasion!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 quart of jam or preserves, any flavor
• powdered sugar, to dust cookies with

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 15 1/2" x 10 1/2" jelly roll pan (with sides) with cooking spray and then line the bottom and up the two of the sides with parchment paper. (to help remove cookies when done)
2. In large capacity food processor, with blade attached, add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
3. Add butter and process until butter incorporated into the flour.
4. Add vanilla to the eggs, and while the processor is running, pour into the flour/butter mixture and process until a smooth dough. If it seems too sticky, add a little more flour. (you should be able to pick it up and shape it into a ball)
5. Set aside 1/3 of dough and press the remaining dough into the bottom and sides of the prepared pan. Spread the jam evenly over the dough.
6. With remaining dough, roll or press out into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick and cut into strips. Arrange dough strips over the jam in a criss cross pattern. ( you do not need to lattice them, just make them criss cross, by setting all the strips in one direction on the jam, and then go the other way with the rest) Press the edges to seal.
7. Bake in the oven until lightly brown on the edges, about 25 -30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired

Recipes by www.reneeskitchenadventures.com