We have a new addition our family. Eric and I adopted a dog from California Underdogs on June 6. We named her Liz Lemon, after our favorite fictional female character in a comedic role. (For those of you who don't watch 30 Rock, you are missing out!)
It's amazing how attached one can get to a pet in such a short period of time. Liz Lemon is super-sweet, loves to cuddle and give kisses, and hardly ever barks. We are in love!
After she'd been staying with us a few days, we started to get very worried about her eating habits. She would go completely nuts for dogie treats, but would refuse to eat dog food. We'd have to hand-feed her the kibble. Then, on her fourth day with us, should wouldn't eat anything, not hand-fed kibble, not even treats. She was very lethargic and sad-looking. We decided to take her to a local vet since the shelter would not return our concerned phone calls. Turns out, Liz Lemon was an active little stray dog, and went and got herself knocked up! Yes, we were dealing with a pregnant pooch. Not to worry, we had already scheduled her spay appointment for the following Monday and the vet said "the spay will just 'take care' of the puppies." At first I was shocked at the calm conclusion that we would just "abort the mission," but the vet eventually explained that, since we had no idea what breed little Liz had mated with, the abortion would be the safest option for her. Oh well, every little girl's dream of mothering little newborn puppies (think 101 Dalmatians) would not be coming true for me.
The worst part about this surgery was the fact that Liz would now have to stay overnight, all alone, at the scary vet's office. We took her in early Monday morning and turned her over. She was so scared and we were so sad. I couldn't stop thinking about that abandoned look in her eyes all day. That night, to take my mind off things, I decided to bake something Lemon-themed. Something yummy to celebrate our new addition, but something also that would keep me busy so I wouldn't focus on the fact that our apartment seemed so empty without her.
Cookie Crust
16 tbs unsalted butter, room temp
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
Lemon Topping
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
6 tbs. strained lemon juice (took 2 ripe lemons for me)
1 tbs lemon zest
One 9×13x2 inch pan, buttered and lined with buttered foil
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. For the base, in a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue beating a minute or two, until light. Lower the speed and beat in the flour. Spread the dough over the bottom of the prepared pan, using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it. Bake the base for about 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and baked through.
While the base is baking, prepare the topping. Be careful not to over mix the topping, or it will have a coarse textured foam on the top when baked. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs just to break them up. Whisk in the sugar, then the lemon juice and zest. As soon as the base is baked, remove it from the oven and pour on the topping. Immediately return the pan to the oven and continue baking the squares another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is set and firm. Cool on a rack until completely cooled. To cut the cakes, use the foil to transfer it to a cutting board and slide a long knife or spatula under it to loosen the paper or foil, then pull it away. Trim the edges, use a ruler to mark, then cut the cake into 2 inch squares. Dust with confectioners sugar before serving. For up to several days, store the squares in a tin or plastic container with a tight fitting cover.
I really wanted to eat these, FAST. I cut the first few squares before they were completely cooled and they were way too soft. They need to cool completely to firm up. Oh well, I stuck the rest in the fridge and they were fine the next day. And the next day, we got Liz Lemon back, cone collar and all, and we are happy again :)
Here are some pics I've taken of her with my iPhone (not the best quality, I know, but they are all I have so far):
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