Apple Squares

Out of all the recipes I have on this blog, I’d have to say that this recipe is probably the most loved by my family. It’s special for a lot of reasons. It was made by Dave’s Great Aunt Bunny for the holidays as long as he can remember, before she passed away. Luckily, Dave’s sister Kristy carried on the tradition and makes them every Thanksgiving! It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them! As soon as we’re done our Thanksgiving meal, everyone grabs an apple square because they know that they’ll disappear fast! Whenever I eat them, I think of Bunny and how much she influenced me in the kitchen. She always went “all out” when it came to food! She always made a variety of desserts on special occasions so everyone had their favorite! And she made the best Birthday cakes for everyone!

If you asked anyone in our family, they would agree that these apple squares taste like apple pie, but are much better! The crust is nice and flaky and the apple filling doesn’t get runny like some apple pies do. This recipe has a special ingredient…corn flake crumbs! Trust me, it’s awesome!

Dough:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 cups shortening
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes

Filling:

• 6 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Icing:

• 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tablespoons water

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl and cut in the shortening. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and milk. Reserve the egg whites for later. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixure. Mix the dough until combined, form into a ball, and cut in half. Refrigerate for an hour or so.

3. In the meantime, crush your cornflakes into very fine pieces. Roll out the dough and place it on a 15 x10 sheet pan. Sprinkle all of the corn flake crumbs over the dough evenly.

4. Peel and slice the apples. Toss them with the sugar and cinnamon. Place the apples in a flat layer on top of cornflake crumbs.

5. Roll out the remaining dough, place on top of the apples layer, cut some slits to let the steam escape and seal the edges (tuck the top crust under the bottom if you need to). Beat the egg whites until foamy and brush all over the top of the crust.

6. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, until the crust is golden. Cool slightly.

7. Combine the icing ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle the icing evenly over the crust. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Recipe Source: http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/the-best-apple-squares-ever/