Applesauce

Most kids grow up eating Mott's or other brands of applesauce, but I was a lucky one. At a young age, my mom exposed me to the real deal, homemade applesauce. I remember watching her peel, core, and delicately slice apple after apple. Then she would throw them in a pot with cinnamon and POOF, almost like magic, deliciously chunky, perfectly cinnamon applesauce would appear.

This was my first time making it on my own, and it tastes just like moms. It's apple season, so go to the store, pick the prettiest apples, and whip up a batch of this. Trust me, it's one-of-a-kind, and such a special treat.

Applesauce

6 large McIntosh Apples

1/4 to 1/3 c. sugar

1T. lemon juice

1/4 t. salt

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 to 3/4 c. water

Peel, core, and coarsely chop the apples. Toss with sugar, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir frequently and simmer for 8 to 10 min. until apples are tender. Mash lightly with back of large fork. Add water to reach desired texture and sugar to adjust flavor. Allow to cool and then enjoy!

Suggestion: Go easy on the sugar! The beauty of making your own applesauce is that you're in control and can make it as healthy as you want it to be. :)

Tis' the season

I'm just going to say it like it is. I am in love with summer fruits, literally obsessed! Every year though, summer fades away and in marches fall. The only thing that keeps me from tearing up as I say goodbye to my beloved summer fruits is knowing that it's APPLE SEASON! That's right, that round, fleshy, totally adaptable fruit that can be used in dishes savory, sweet, and everything in between. Tis' the season for grilled cheese and apples, homemade applesauces and of course, apple cake. I have tasted many different apple cakes in my lifetime, but this one is definitely my favorite. Moist, not too sweet, and covered with delicious cinnamon apples, this cake is the perfect one to make as we salute the beginning of fall, aka apple season!

Savta's Apple Cake, adapted from Miri Rotkovtiz on about.com

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Apples:
• 4 large or 6 small firm apples (try granny smith to balance out the sugar), peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• .
• For the Cake Batter:
• 3 cups unsifted flour
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup oil (such as expeller-pressed canola, grapeseed, or walnut)
• 4 unbeaten large eggs
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350° (If you are using a dark or nonstick pan, reduce the heat by 25° F). Grease and flour a tube pan with a removable bottom, making sure to tap out excess flour.

In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, cinnamon and sugar. Toss together gently, making sure the apples are well coated with the cinnamon and sugar, and set aside.

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla, and beat just until smooth. The batter will be very thick.

Pour about 1/3 of the batter into the prepared tube pan. If necessary, use a spatula to spread the batter so it covers the bottom of the pan. Layer about 1/3 of the apple slices over the batter. Repeat with another layer of batter, then apples, then batter.

Arrange the final layer of apples decoratively in concentric circles over the batter, overlapping the apple slices slightly (they will spread out as the cake bakes). Drizzle the cake with a bit of the remaining cinnamon sugar "syrup" from the apple bowl.

Place the cake on a cookie sheet or on top of a piece of foil to catch any drips, and bake in the center of the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, or until a tester comes out clean and the top of the cake has a golden "crust."

Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, run a knife or spatula around the edge of the pan, and remove the outside of the cake pan. Gently run a knife or spatula between the cake and the pan bottom to loosen. Invert the cake over a plate and remove the pan bottom (the cake will be upside down on the plate.) Place a cake plate face down on the bottom side of the cake, and holding both plates, flip the cake, so it is right-side (apple-side) up. Enjoy!

Suggestion: Have some fun and play around with different kinds of apples. There are so many varieties out there, so peel and chop those apples to bits and then add them to your new favorite cake!