From Chef Oonagh Williams of Royal Temptations Catering

Ingredients

Makes 4-8 portions, depending on appetite.

Base

• 3 large Granny Smith apples (about 1 lb total weight), peeled, cored, quartered and sliced thin.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoon cornstarch
• pinch of salt

Topping

• 1/2 stick of soft butter (2 oz), or dairy-free alternative
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup and 2 Tablespoons ground almonds (you can make your own by grinding skinless almonds in a food processor to the consistency of fine breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoon almond extract

Optional Garnish

• ¼ – ½ cup sliced almonds adds a nice contrasting crunch to the dessert
• Powdered sugar
• Sour cream mixed with honey to taste

Instructions

1. Place the apples in an 8” x 8” brownie pan with the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and water. Microwave for about 4 minutes until the mix is hot and the apples soften.
2. Stir in cornstarch.
3. Place all of the topping ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer for two minutes until well-blended. Don’t beat for more than two minutes, as it toughens the mix.
4. Gently spread filling on top of apples to cover completely.
5. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top (optional) and bake in 350°F oven for about 30–40 minutes until golden brown throughout.
6. Remove from oven and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar if serving warm or with honeyed sour cream if serving cold.