Kuchen is the official state dessert of South Dakota. There are as many different recipes as there are German grandmothers in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Some kuchens are made with yeast, some with different fruits, some with no fruit. It is also served for breakfast.

Crust Ingredients:

• ½ c butter
• ¼ c sugar
• ¼ tsp vanilla
• 1 ¼ c flour

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine butter, sugar and vanilla.
2. Gradually beat in flour.
3. Press crumbly mixture into bottom and up sides of 9 inch pie plate.
4. Bake in 350°oven for 5 minutes. Cool.

Custard Ingredients:

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ c sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ c peeled and chopped apples
• 1 ½ c peeled and thinly sliced apples
• 2 Tab apple juice
• 2 Tab brown sugar
• ¼ c sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until combined.
2. Beat in egg.
3. Pour custard over crust.
4. Mix apples, apple juice, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.
5. Spoon apple mixture over custard.
6. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.

Topping Ingredients:

• ½ c rolled oats
• ¼ c butter
• 1/3 c flour
• 1/3 c brown sugar

Directions:

1. Combine oats, flour and brown sugar.
2. Cut in butter to resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle crumbs over pie.
4. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes more.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
6. Cut each pie into 6 pieces.
7. May be served with ice cream if you wish.

Serves: 6

Source: The Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth, MI Food Network

Comments:  There are some great apples (peeled and sliced) packed in water at Smart and Final. It is a #10 can but you can freeze the rest for apple pie next week.