When I was 16 years old, I was very lucky to get to go on a school trip to Italy with my friend Nancy. In truth, it wasn’t actually our school, but the school where my Mother taught. It was my first big trip and the most exciting thing I’d ever done! One of our day excursions was to the tiny village of Assisi to tour the Basilica. Post tour we wound up in the only café/pub/restaurant in Assisi. There was a jukebox in the corner that played four fairly hideous Italian love songs and one song in English – Apple Scruffs, by George Harrison. No offense to George, but I fear it wasn’t his most inspired piece. Of course we thought it was hilariously funny but also very sweet that the locals kept playing that song over and over for us because we were Americans.
Flash forward – well – a lot of years – and my son Richard still loves that story and recently bought the original vinyl album with Apple Scruffs on it.
Frankly, the words in the song make no sense. Is Apple Scruffs a romantic endearment you would want to be called? My genius son said, I should invent a dessert and name it Apple Scruffs. My friend Nancy said it should be shaped like house shoes. I didn’t quite accomplish that look, but what we have here is a kind of scruffy, but delicious little apple square. In truth it is actually a quite attractive little square with a funny name – thanks George. You can judge for yourself, but however you rate its appearance, in taste, Apple Scruffs are a perfect ten. The sour cream has just the right tang and the fresh apple bits in every single bite are delicious. Of course I added nuts, but that’s optional, and Greek yogurt would be a fine substitution for sour cream. Apple Scruffs may be the best October dessert ever! I just made a second batch to deliver to a good friend who needs a treat.
As the song lyrics say, “How I love you Apple Scruffs!” You’ll love them too! Make a batch this weekend to celebrate October, my favorite month.
Ingredients
3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
3 eggs
½ cup canola oil
½ cup sour cream (substitution Greek yogurt)
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¾ tsp salt
¼ cup pecans or walnuts (optional)
Powdered Sugar for dusting (optional but pretty)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, oil, sour cream, and sugars.
Mix until thoroughly combined – about a minute.
In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients, flour through salt.
Add dry mixture to wet and mix to thoroughly combine.
Stir in apple bits and nuts.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Cut in squares and enjoy!
