APPLE BARS:

Bottom and Top Crust: 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated white sugar 1/2 tsp sifted baking powder 1/2 tsp fine salt 1 cup butter 2 eggs Filling: 4 cups peeled and chopped apples 3/4 cup granulated white sugar 1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsps cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

APPLE BARS:

INGREDIENTS: Bottom and Top Crust: 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated white sugar 1/2 tsp sifted baking powder 1/2 tsp fine salt 1 cup butter 2 eggs Filling: 4 cups peeled and chopped apples 3/4 cup granulated white sugar 1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsps cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8x12 inches rectangular baking pan, 2 1/2 inches high, with aluminum foil. Set aside. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, the sugar, the baking powder and the salt. Cut the butter into 8 equal portions and add to the flour mixture. Mash the mixture with your fingers until everything adheres together. Add the egg yolks and continue to mix until blended. Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions. 3. Press half of the mixture to completely cover the bottom of the pan. Set aside. To prepare the filling, combine the ingredients in a bowl and spread the mixture over the crust, covering it completely. 4. Crumble the remaining crust mixture and sprinkle over the apples. If the mixture is too soft, freeze it briefly until it becomes easy to handle. Press the crust lightly to flatten a bit, forming an almost solid top crust. 5. Brush the entire surface of the crust with egg whites. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.