Apple Grunt

1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 egg
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 apples
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter or oil a non-reactive 9-inch square baking pan..

Peel, core and slice the apples; set aside.

Cream sugar and butter together in a mixing bowl. Add egg and beat until thoroughly mixed. Add baking soda and milk and mix until smooth. Add flour, salt and baking powder and mix until smooth. Blend in apples and vanilla extract. Place in the prepared baking dish.

Topping:
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons butter, room temperature

Place all topping ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter, two knives or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until balls begin to form. Sprinkle crumbs on top of the apple mixture.

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the apples are tender and cake tester comes out clean.

Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of ice cream, if desired.