I found this recipe in my mother’s old recipe box and revised it slightly, mostly so it could be understood. My mother came to the US, from northern Italy, in her late teens. While she was fluent in both languages, her American writing and spelling was a little lacking. Yet, her intermingled English and Italian words were quite charming and I wouldn’t trade the worn, yellowed recipe cards for all the espresso in Italia 🙂

These lightly spiced raisin apple squares are reminiscent of cookies, cake and pie, but with far less prep and equally superior results. The aroma, while baking, evokes fall time warm and fuzzies too.  These scrumptious squares are a prefect anytime snack, but preferably in the early mornings with a creamy, steamy “cuppa.”  Mmmmm 🙂

Ingredients:

1 c raisins

2 c water

1/2 c butter

1 large apple, cored and chopped fine

1 large egg

1 c sugar

2 1/2 c flour, sifted

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg

Glaze:

1 c powdered sugar

2 Tbsp milk, approx

1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Simmer raisins in water until 1 cup liquid remains, about 20-25 minutes Add butter to raisins and water stir until melted, add chopped apples and spices. Set aside to cool. Beat egg and sugar together. Blend in remaining dry ingredients. Fold in raisin/apple mixture. Spread in greased 10×15 cookie sheet with edges. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 min. Frost or drizzle with powdered sugar glaze while still warm. Cut into squares.