Apple Pandowdy

A pandowdy is an old-school New England dessert, similar to skillet apple pie, that is made with a pastry or bread dough topping that covers a fruit base made from one or several fruits. Apple Pandowdy is the most common version of this dessert. When prepared, the dough is rolled out into thin circular or square shape matching the shape of the deep baking dish containing the fruit. Nuts, such as sliced almonds, are often added to the Pandowdy dough.

During baking, the crust is pressed or slashed so the juices from the filling flood over the top and caramelize in the oven leaving a dowdy-looking appearance. The dough is often cut into squares and casually arranged to overlap on top. The partial coverage promotes ventilation, allowing the apples to keep their shape and not overcook. Pressing down on the crust halfway through baking allowed time for the crust to set up (not sog out in the liquid) and for the juices spilling over the top time to caramelize, yielding layers of texture—sticky, crisp and tender.

Very similar to a cobbler, grunt or slump, Pandowdy can be served as a dessert or snack that is typically warm and topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

Apple Pandowdy
frrom https://www.marthastewart.com/

Crust

1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3 to 4 tablespoons ice-cold water

Filling

3 1/2 pounds tart, firm baking apples, such as Granny Smith or Northern Spy
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
2/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, with some pea-size pieces remaining. Drizzle 3 tablespoons water over mixture; pulse several times to combine. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until mixture holds together when pinched. Shape dough into an 8-inch square and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut dough into about 20 squares (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches each). Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate while making filling.

Filling: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel, quarter, and core apples, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. In a large bowl, toss together apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, flour, and spices. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons melted butter.

Arrange dough squares in a patchwork design over apples, overlapping as needed to cover apples almost completely. Brush remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter over squares; sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake until beginning to brown around edges, about 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking until flaky and golden brown all over and juices are bubbling in center, 40 to 45 minutes more. Using the back of a metal spatula, gently press down on dough so it is slightly submerged under apples. Let cool at least 30 minutes. Serve, with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

8 servings