SALTED CARAMEL APPLE SQUARES

I may or may not be obsessed with apples this season. I explored my new local Home Goods for the first time today and I was immediately drawn to the candles, naturally. Without even thinking about it I picked 2 apple scented candles. Even though I had pumpkin on the brain, I went with apple instead. What can a girl do? I like what I like. Like these salted caramel apple squares. I definitely like these.

Last week I shared a toasted apple filling recipe and it give me a huge hankering for these apple squares. The crunch of the crust gets me. I used pre-made store bought dough, which seems sacrilege to me but I’ve had an overwhelming month, actually I’ve had an overwhelming year and I don’t feel an ounce of guilt over using inferior pie crust. Gotta do what you gotta do, ya know? If you want to make your own pie crust, go for it.

I have to be honest, I haven’t felt like my typical excited-for-fall-self. Probably because I just moved halfway across the country and the people I used to see on a daily basis are now a thing of the past and I’m still reconciling what that means and feels like. Things take time and I’m still adjusting. I’ll get there.

This recipe pulled me back into the good feelings of fall that I remember. I share it today for those who are struggling to find their inner PSL drinking, Hocus Pocus watching, plaid wearing basic bitch this fall season. Hopefully this will inspire you like it did for me.

SALTED CARAMEL APPLE SQUARES RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 Gala apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a small saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Lower the temperature and continue to stir for about another 5 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the ingredients to rest for 20 minutes.
5. Roll out the pie crust and split into 4 equal sections.
6. Spread the apple filling into each section, allowing about an inch allowance from the edge.
7. Fold in the edges to create an envelope, or any square shape.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow the pastries to cool.
10. Enjoy!