One of the biggest adjustments many of us have had to make in light of the pandemic has been the transition to doing most everything remotely – from catching up with family and friends through social media to shopping for groceries online and even organizing get-togethers like happy hour and trivia night via Zoom.
Our idea of the workplace has also evolved, as many people continue to work from home. And while some of us may find it easier and more convenient to conduct business from the comfort of our living room or kitchen table, there is definitely a lack of connection and camaraderie when all you have to interact with is a screen.
This week’s episode of The Stir features a few must-see movies about working in an office or the workplace, in general. We’ve got you covered with everything from heavy drama and satire to laugh-out-loud comedies, including a movie that is the epitome of beating the system and reaping the rewards of teamwork (at least, as far as the Binge Besties are concerned).
Watch Volume 24 of the SIP (Shelter in Place) Series on The Stir here
For our signature sweet treat, we have an apple recipe that reminds us of the flavors and crispness of fall: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.
Our featured recipe, courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction, tastes as good as it sounds, and is easy to follow, despite the fact that every layer – the shortbread crust, apple pie filling (we tried it with Honeycrisp apples), crumb topping and salted caramel sauce – are all made from scratch.
SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE BARS
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 t pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 t salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled and very thinly sliced
- 2 T all-purpose flour
- 2 T granulated sugar
- 1 t ground cinnamon (increase to 1-1/2 t if not using nutmeg)
- 1/8 t ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 t ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chilled unsalted butter, cubed
- Salted caramel sauce (homemade, click here for directions), or packaged salted caramel sauce such as Ghirardelli, Smucker’s or Marzetti
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on all sides. Set aside.
- Make the crust: Stir the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir until everything is combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling and streusel.
- Make the apple filling: Combine the sliced apples, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl until all of the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
- Make the streusel: Whisk the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and flour together in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender or two forks (or even with your hands) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Remove the crust from the oven, and turn the oven up to 350°F. Evenly layer the apples on top of the warm crust. It will look like there are too many apple slices, so layer them tightly and press them down to fit. Sprinkle the apple layer with streusel and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Lift the foil or parchment out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into bars. Once cut, drizzle some salted caramel sauce on top of each. These apple pie bars can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature or even cold.
Recipe courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction
Click here to find more recipes featured on The Stir.
