Fresh lemons were a special-occasion ingredient in Smoky Mountain kitchens of old. In everyday cooking and baking, the flavor might be mimicked with apple cider vinegar or buttermilk. But during the Christmas holidays, lemon zest and juice were used in cookies, cakes, and pies.

This simple butter cookie recipe — perfect for gift-giving — uses not only fresh lemon zest and juice, but also chopped nuts and a little cornmeal for added texture and that little something extra!