Feature Recipe

Ukrainian Apple Squares

Ukrainian apple squares are a rich pastry dessert with a top and bottom crust and baked apples in the center, much like a square apple pie. Like Hungarian apple strudel, Ukrainian apple squares are traditionally made around the holidays to make use of the stored apples that have become too soft for eating. Since most of us buy our apples at the store whenever we want them, this Ukrainian dessert can be made and enjoyed any time.

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Filling

4 - 6         apples
1/2 cup     dates
1/4 cup     sugar
1 tsp             vanilla
1 tsp             cinnamon
Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Peel, core and dice the apples.

2. 2.Mix the diced apples with the dates, sugar, vanilla and
   

    cinnamon.

Pastry

1 3/4  cup   flour
2 tsp   baking powder
1/2 cup   sugar
2   eggs

Directions

1.Mix flour, sugar and baking powder together in a medium-sized bowl.

2.Cut in the butter with two knives or a pastry cutter until it resembles small peas (just like a pie crust).

3.Combine the sour cream, eggs and vanilla in a separate bowl.

4.Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir.

5.Spread half the pastry dough in the bottom of a 9 x9 greased baking pan.

6.Bake for 15 minutes at 350 °F.

7.Remove pan from the oven and spread apple mixture over the bottom crust.

8.Spread the rest of the pastry dough over the apples, making sure to cover them entirely.

9.Bake at 350 °F for another 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown around the edges.

10.Cut into 16 squares.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if you wish. The pastry is sweet enough without it.