Apple Squares

Crust:
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder


Filling:
6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Crust: Cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until blended. Knead lightly to form a smooth dough. Press half of the dough into prepared pan.

Filling: Combine apples, sugar and cinnamon, tossing to coat apples evenly with cinnamon and sugar. Spread over dough.

Divide remaining dough into 10 equal portions and roll into pencil-like strips. Crisscross diagonally over the filling to form a lattice.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is firm and golden. Cool completely in pan on rack, then cut into squares.

Variations

Add a touch of nutmeg to the apples to enhance their flavour.

Fruits such as peaches, plums and cherries also work well in this recipe.

Souece: Robin Hood Home Baking, 2004