Apple Crumble Squares

 I'm back. I haven't posted since the beginning of last month. I've been too busy doing... nothing actually. Sometimes it's hard to get motivated. This is especially the case if you're a student or if you have a job. There can be a lot of work to get done, but you just don't feel up to it. 
I'm back to give you a motivational boost in whatever you are doing, or whatever you are trying to accomplish! Everyone works differently, so don't feel bad if you are going slower than others. Once you finally decide to start, you will end up on right track. Just keep going and don't give up! Sometimes you just need a break, and that's okay too. Always remember to treat yourself kindly. :)
This has been a public service announcement.

Apple Crumble Squares

Makes 24 Squares

Crust

2 cups                            all purpose flour
1/2 tsp                           salt
3/4 cup                          butter, cold & cubed
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp            butter milk
1 egg yolk

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour and salt. Cut butter into flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the buttermilk and egg yolk, stir until it comes together to form a ball. Cover it with plastic wrap and place in the fridge while you make the filling.

Filling

6 apples
2 tbsp                           orange juice
1 tsp                             vanilla
1/2 cup                         all purpose flour
1/2 cup                         sugar
1/3 cup                         brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp                       cinnamon
1/4 tsp                          nutmeg
1/4 tsp                          ginger

Peel, core and slice the apples into thin, small pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Add orange juice and vanilla. Toss the apples so it coats them evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, and spices. Pour flour mixture over the apples and toss them so they get evenly coated. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Now with the cooled dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface so that it's about 1/4" thick. Carefully transfer it to your 9x13" ungreased pan, by folding it in half and lifting it up into the bottom of the pan. Press down into the bottom of the dish and trim excess dough. Now place apple mixture on top of the dough, spread about evenly. Set aside. Now prepare the topping.

Topping

1/3 cup                         brown sugar
1/3 cup                         pecans
1 tbsp                           butter
1/2 tsp                          cinnamon

Chop the pecans into coarse pieces and transfer into a small bowl. Place the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in bowl. Stir until combined and moist. Sprinkle over top of the apples. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the apples are soft when forked. Let them cool, then cut into squares. Enjoy!

These bars taste quite a lot like the apple pies from McDonalds. But with a little more texture and nuttiness. They are very light, and packed with spices.

I hope everyone is doing well, and getting things done the way you planned them. I wish you all the best November, and good luck in the new month. (Happy late Halloween)

Elanne Boake