Walking into the Little Rock Zoo, you automatically sense the history that surrounds the entire complex. Personally, I connect with all of the rock work throughout the park. It just makes me feel at home.

Here are some quick facts about the zoo that I bet you didn’t know:

1. Little Rock zoo began in 1926 with only a timber wolf and a brown bear.
2. The public quickly rallied, raised money and bought three buffalo. They also donated animals of their own to add to the zoo’s collection.
3. By 1928, the zoo had about 3 dozen animals.
4. In 1952 a 13 ft alligator named Big Arkie was on display and drew huge numbers. He lived 18 years at the zoo and was believed to be the largest captive alligator in the western hemisphere at that point.

Over the years several organizations and groups have helped raise money for the zoo and it has held strong. One of those organizations put out a cookbook as a fundraiser for the zoo.

While flipping thru, “What Would Zoo Like For Dinner?: A Cookbook By The Little Rock Chapter AAZK” I came across a recipe for Lemon Squares. Mmmmmmmmm! Yes please!

Couple things:

1. It didn’t say to use self rising flour. I did.
2. It says to “mix” the crust ingredients together. I found it difficult to “mix” butter with dry ingredients. I tried a pastry blender too. Nope. Since I’d made a huge mess, I popped it in the microwave and melted the butter. TaDa! Perfection! Just melt your butter to begin with and you won’t have that problem.
3. Cooks up pretty!
4. After tasting it, I feel like it may need more lemon🤔

Enjoy!!!

P.S. I’d estimate the cost of this to be under $3. Very cheap and a whole lot of flavor…just add more lemon😆

This week’s cookbook was suggested by my pal Mary Jane❤️. She found this treasure at the Oppelo Flea Market, one of my fave places😍. I zipped on over there and snatched it up! Whooop!

Fun fact: When I was growing up, I had a fascination with anything that had my name in it. I always thought they belonged to me. Turns out, I was mistaken🧐

Trinity Episcopal Church rests in Pine Bluff. This church has been around for 164 years. It’s also the oldest continuously active Episcopal church in Arkansas. They’re famously home to the 100 year Pancake Supper. Maybe I’ll show up there some day and be part of their history.

I chose this week’s recipe from “A Taste Of Trinity” for two reasons. 1. I love lemons! 2. We needed a new dessert. Good news! I didn’t steer myself wrong!

Few things:

1. I didn’t know what a “butter cake mix” was. I’ve always called it a “yellow cake mix”. Surprise! It’s the same thing.
2. I used butter because my mix told me to.
3. I added a little bit more powdered sugar. Maybe my oranges and lemons were extra juicy🤔 Monitor and adjust❤️
4. When the recipe said to make mini muffins, I wanted to see what it would be like if I made regular muffins and just put the frosting on top.
   Y’all, Blanche Choate knows what she’s talkin’ about. Make them mini and dunk them into that yummy concoction! Yaaaaassssss!

You’re gonna love them!