Apple Pastry Bars

The chilly temperatures outside tell me that Fall is officially here! One of my favorite things to make (and Bunch's favorite things to eat) are these Apple Pastry Bars. They are easy to make and are a great excuse to do a little apple picking in preparation.

(recipe and picture from MidwestLiving.com, slightly adjusted)

• 2-1/2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon  salt
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 egg yolk
• milk
• 1 cup cinnamon Cornflakes
• 8  to 10 tart cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced (8 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 teaspoons  milk

1. In a large bowl combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a liquid measuring cup, beat egg yolk lightly. Add enough milk to make 2/3 cup liquid. Stir well to combine. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture with a fork until combined (dough will be slightly sticky). Divide mixture in half.  

2. On a well-floured surface, roll half of the dough to a 17x12-inch rectangle. Fold dough crosswise into thirds. Transfer to a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and unfold dough, pressing to fit into the bottom and sides of the pan. Sprinkle with cornflakes. Top evenly with apples. In a small bowl combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle mixture over apples. Roll remaining dough to a 15x10-inch rectangle. Fold dough crosswise into thirds. Place atop apples and unfold dough. Crimp edges or use the tines of a fork to seal. Cut slits in the top. Brush top with beaten egg white. 

3. Bake in a 375 degrees F oven for 50 minutes or until golden and apples are tender, covering with foil after the first 25 minutes of baking time to prevent over-browning.  

4. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and 2 to 3 teaspoons milk to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm bars. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 32 bars.