ABC Block Squares

I originally published this two years ago - can't believe how fast time went by since Colin's first day as a first grader! 

I'm reposting it today as part of #MiniChefMondays - thank you, Rachel, for inviting me!

Yes, I'm a day late. Apologies, I had an important National Day to celebrate, over here in Switzerland ;-)

I love ABC blocks and wanted to bake something for Colin's first day of school. 

Why not using the same technique I had tried for the NHL Playoff Puck Brownies? This is clearly for kids who have had some experience tracing shapes and using piping bags.

Recipe for the first batch of batter:

1 egg

0.5 cup granulated sugar (112g)

0.25 cup butter, room temperature (60g)

0.5 cup all purpose flour (62g)

1 pinch of salt

food coloring gel

Recipe for the second batch of batter:

2 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar (225g)

1 lemon, zest and juice

0.5 cup butter, room temperature (120g)

1 cup all purpose flour (125g)

1 tsp of baking powder

1 pinch of salt

Instructions:

Print out your letters and numbers. One square is about 3.5 * 3.5 inches. Trace onto parchment paper using food coloring pencils.

Fix mirror inverted onto a board, I used a chopping board.

Divide your first batch of batter into three ziploc bags. 

Squeeze some food coloring into each bag and squish with your hand until well incorporated.

Cut a little hole open and start "writing".
This may actually be easier if you used store-bought piping bags with tips.

Put in the freezer for at least an hour. I left it in there for two hours, it was nicely firm.

Prepare the second batch, transfer frozen letters onto baking tray, 

pour and distribute batter as evenly as possible over the letters.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes at 350°F

Let cool for about 10 minutes.

Carefully flip over and let cool for another 5 minutes.

Gently peel off the parchment paper. Ta-daaaa!

Cut, serve, enjoy! No, wait: cut, take pictures, serve and enjoy! There you go ;-)