Everyone has those family friends who are like your second set of parents or grandparents. My early childhood has memories of making seashell necklaces, going on extreme scavenger hunts and getting chocolate kisses from the older neighbors across the street. We never lived close to my grandparents growing up, so our neighbors Laurie and Wally became our second grandparents of sorts. This is Laurie’s recipe for apple pie bars.

We were living in Olympia, Washington when Lauri was our neighbor. They lived right on the water and they used to take us out on their boat and we’d eat popsicles on their dock in the summer…I had a pretty amazing childhood! My sister and I were only maybe 3 and 5 when we lived in that house, but I still have these great memories. Even once we moved they sent Cassie and I those Christmas Advent calendars with chocolate…I think until we were done with high school and lived over 6 hours away!

I don’t specifically remember Lauri making these bars, but I know my mom definitely did. And in our recipe book they’re listed as “Lauri’s Apple Bars”, so making them still brings back the nostalgia and memories. I tried finding the original and this Land O’Lake’s recipe is pretty close. For everyone who thinks they can’t make an apple pie from scratch (first of all yes you can!!!) this recipe will give you all the taste and smells of apple pie without seeming quite as daunting.

The first time I made this my boyfriend got so mad that I had been “hiding” it from him, as he said. I made it again when his parents were in town last week and I almost didn’t get any pictures! Everyone devoured it and was already talking about how perfect it would be at Thanksgiving. The only thing that would make this better? Some of Kelly’s Cinnamon Ice Cream. Enjoy!

~Stephanie

Apple Pie Bars

• 2 1/2 c flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 c shortening
• 1 egg (separated into yolk and white)
• just under 2/3 c milk
• 2 c crushed corn flakes
• 4 apples, peeled and sliced (I used 2 granny smith, 2 honey crisp)
• 3/4 c sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp allspice

1. Line 9×13 cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour and salt together in large mixing bowl. Cut in shortening using hands.
3. In measuring cup beat egg yolk, then add enough milk to make 2/3 cup. Add into flour mixture and combine.
4. Divide dough in half. Press one half of dough evenly into the cookie sheet forming the crust.
5. Sprinkle corn flakes over dough on cookie sheet.
6. Mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Set aside about 3 tbsp for topping.
7. Toss apples with sugar and spice mixture. Arrange apple slices evenly over cornflakes.
8. Roll out other half of dough and cover the apples. Make a few cuts through top dough to allow steam out.
9. Beat egg white and brush over the top dough. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and spices.
10. Bake at 355 for 30-35 minutes or until dough turns golden brown.
11. Frost while hot!
12. For frosting: combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tbsp milk. Drizzle over bars.