Apple Crisp Bars

Crust:
2 c. flour
1-1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter

Topping
2-1/2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
12 Tbsp. melted butter

Filling:
4 tart apples
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Grease a 9” x 13” baking pan.
2. For the crust, mix the flour and brown sugar together, then cut in the butter using a pastry blender, two knives, or your hands. Press the mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Set aside.
3. For the topping, mix the dry ingredients together then mix in the melted butter. Stir well until everything is moist. Set aside.
4. For the filling, mix the dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Peel and core apples, then chop into 1/4” – 1/2” pieces. Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and blend it so all the apples are coated completely.
5. Place the apples on the crust in the pan, spreading them out to form an even layer. Sprinkle topping over apples, breaking up clumps as you go. Cover the entire surface of the apples, then press topping down gently with the palms of your hands. Bake for 45 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

1. Preheat oven to 375º.
2. Roll out half of the pastry dough on a floured surface into a 9” round. Place on a cookie sheet that is covered with nonstick sheet or parchment paper. Spread half the filling on the center of the dough, leaving 2” uncovered around the edge. Pleat the 2” border over the cheese filling, leaving the filling exposed in the center. Repeat with the second half of the dough and filling. The two tarts can be cooked on the same cookie sheet if it is large enough.
3. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until the filling and the dough are browned.
4. Cut into small wedges to serve.