Apple Streusel Squares

1. 1

   Set oven to 375 degrees.

2. 2

   Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch metal baking pan.

3. 3

   Prepare the streusel topping (as follows).

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, with hands, mix the 3/4 cup flour, pecans, 1/3 cup brown sugar, butter, vanilla and cinnamon until the mixture comes together; set aside.

5. 5

   To prepare the crust: In a large bowl, mix together the 2 tbsp flour sugar and salt.

6. 6

   Cut in 1/2 cup COLD butter into small bits.

7. 7

   With fingertips, blend the cold butter into the flour mixture, until it resembles fine crumbs.

8. 8

   Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

9. 9

   Bake crust for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown (crust may crack slightly).

10. 10

    Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet, over medium heat, cook the apples, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 3 Tbsp butter for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender (but not mushy).

11. 11

    In a cup, mix the cornstarch and lemon juice; stir the mixture into the apple mixture (the mixture will thicken almost immediately); remove from heat.

12. 12

    Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.

13. 13

    Scatter the streusel mixture over the apple mixture in the pan.

14. 14

    Bake for 30 minutes, or until streusel is browned.

15. 15

    Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

16. 16

    When cold, cut lenghwise into 3 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 5 pieces.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.