Apple Streusel Squares

Peel, core and slice apples thinly. Use a food processor to slice apples, since this makes the job easier. Half-inch slices should be about right.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease sides of 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Prepare Streusel Topping: In medium bowl, mix flour, pecans, brown sugar, slightly softened butter, vanilla and cinnamon until mixture comes together. Shape into a ball.

Prepare crust: Into large bowl, measure flour, sugar and salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter into small bits. With fingertips, blend butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press evenly into bottom of baking pan. Bake crust 15 to 20 minutes our until golden. Crust may crack slightly but don't worry.

Place apple slices in 10-inch skillet. Add raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon and 3 tablespoons butter. Cook 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.

In cup, mix cornstarch and lemon juice. Stir lemon juice mixture into apple slice mixture and cook until thickened. This should happen quickly. Remove from heat.

Spoon apple mixture over crust. Break Streusel Topping into chunks and scatter over apple mixture. Bake 30 minutes or until streusel is browned. Cool completely, in pan, placed on wire rack. When cold cut into pieces and serve.