Homemade Apple Pudding . . .

Not exactly a pudding in the usual sense of the word but a fast way to have dessert going in the oven when you are busy with other kitchen needs for getting dinner on the table. It also works with pears, too. My mother used to make a version of this and I have added my own touches over the years. Another reason to look forward to Fall and the return of apple season . . . although I don't always wait that long to treat the family to this.

Homemade Apple Pudding
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4-5 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons or so of freshly grated lemon zest

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Vegetable oil spray a baking dish.

Combine the sliced apples, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Spread the apples out on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Cream together the shortening, sugar, and egg. Mix in the dry ingredients and vanilla. Spread in a layer over the apples.

In a small saucepan, combine:

1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups water or apple juice

Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-6 minutes. Drizzle over the apples and batter. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden. Cool to warm, scoop out and enjoy with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It can be reheated in the microwave the next day or eaten cold.