Apple Cake

Don't tell my cousin Dorothy, but this recipe will always be my Mom's Apple Cake.  I have many memories of being in the kitchen with my mom, helping her slice the apples, watching her add ingredients to the batter in her stand mixer, and the best part, licking the beaters!  If you want to try a fairly simple, old-fashioned cake, try this one.  It has a velvety texture and is simply delicious.

Peel and slice 4 apples in a small bowl. Add 2 tsp. cinnamon and 3 Tbsp. sugar. Stir to coat.



Chop 1/3 cup walnuts.  Set aside.







In a large mixer bowl add:

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup orange (or apple) juice
3 tsp. vanilla

Beat slowly.  Then add:
3 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
Mix well.

Stir in walnuts.



In a greased and floured tube pan, alternately pour a layer of batter, then a layer of apples, ending with apples on the top layer.







Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 30 minutes.  Cool 20 minutes in the pan.

Bruschetta

Tony made a fantastic Bruschetta last week for a big dinner we cooked for some friends.

First he scooped out the seeds and pulpy center of meaty plum tomatoes.  Then he chopped the outer fleshy tomato edges. He added chopped scallions, feta cheese, fresh basil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, and a little balsamic vinegar.  Chopped brined olives or capers are optional.

He sliced a baguette on the diagonal into lengthy pieces.  He browned them in the oven on a cookie sheet.  Then he rubbed a piece of cut garlic onto the bread for some flavor.

Look at this beautiful presentation!  We served these with some Italian Sausage Kale Soup.  It was a great first course.