Apple Pastry Squares

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: 1 hr 10 min

Makes 24 servings

Jessica Gazin

ingredients

Filling

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
5 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cold shortening
2 egg yolks, beaten
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Glaze

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

To make filling:

Combine sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan. Mix until well blended. Add apples; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir in spices and lemon juices; set aside.

To make pastry:

Combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Combine egg yolks, water and lemon juice; blend into flour. Mixture will form a ball. Divided in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough between two pieces of waxed paper to fit the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Spread filling over pastry. Roll remaining pastry to fit pan exactly; place on top of filling. Fold bottom pastry over top and press to seal. Cut a few small slits in top crust. Bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

To make glaze:

Combine all ingredients and drizzle over the warm pastry.

Source: Jessica Gazin