Orange Dessert Squares

A lovely dessert adapted from Your Guide to Southern U.S. Cuisine by Diana Rattray. Also popular in the Caribbean and Mexico, and the South!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 12-14

Ingredients

• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2  eggs, separated
• 2  cups flour
• 3  teaspoons baking powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup milk
• 4  teaspoons  finely grated  orange peel

• Orange Sauce

• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 1  tablespoon cornstarch
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup boiling water
• 1  teaspoon butter
• 4  teaspoons  finely grated  orange peel
• 1⁄2 cup  fresh orange juice

Directions

1. In a medium bowl beat sugar, butter, and egg yolks at medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. Mix flour with baking powder and salt; add alternately to sugar mixture with milk at low speed, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
3. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry; fold egg whites and orange rind gently into the batter.
4. Pour into greased and floured 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool, cut into squares, and serve with warm orange sauce. Enjoy!