Toffee apple squares

Method

• step 1

  Put the apples in a saucepan with the lemon juice and 4 tbsp water. Cook gently, partly covered, for 10-15 mins until softened. Taste, adding any sugar if it needs it – you want it a little sharp though, to balance the sweetness of the topping. Leave to cool.

• step 2

  For the base, whizz everything together in a food processor. (If you don’t have one, rub the butter into the flour to crumbs, then stir in the sugar and ground rice.) Line the base of a roughly 18 x 28cm tin with baking parchment, then press the dough into the base.

• step 3

  Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Bake the base for 20-25 mins until golden. Spread the cooled apples over the base.

• step 4

  For the topping, put the condensed milk, butter and sugar in a saucepan. Heat to melt the sugar and butter, then lower the heat and bubble for 10 mins or so until a pale fudge colour. Stir in the salt, cornflakes and nuts. Spoon all over the apples, gently spreading to cover. Return to the oven for another 15-22 mins until the topping is golden and crisp. Cool in the tin, then cut into squares. Can be stored for 1-2 days in an airtight container.