Fresh Apple Cake

One of Fran Gibson's favorite recipes. Fran recommends using black walnuts for increased flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups diced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 cup walnuts (black walnuts are superb), coarsely chopped
• 2 tsp vanilla
• Glaze (see below)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan.

Using a mixer, combine oil and sugar and beat until well mixed. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to oil and egg mixture. Stir in apple pieces, walnuts and vanilla.

Place in prepared pan and bake 1.25 hours or until cake tests done. Cool 10 minutes in the pan; remove from the pan and continue cooling while making the glaze.

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 2 Tbsp heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

Glaze Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let boil 1 minute. Spoon over warm cake.

Makes 16-18 servings