Jewish Apple Cake

One day in September I was chatting on Facebook when I saw a message from someone looking for an apple cake recipe. I went looking through my files and recipe books and found the one I used years ago. After discovering the perfect recipe it was time to shop for apples. The bright yellow and red Gala apples, my favorites, were displayed in green paper bags, covered with recipes, pretending to be fresh.  I got all tingly just thinking about it. When I got and home I tried one. What a disappointment-- leathery with tough skin, no juice running down my chin, apparently not this year's crop. The recipe for Jewish Apple Cake, with a picture of bright red apples at the top, laid on the counter and waited for the perfect apples.

This weekend we went to West Virginia and found the perfect Gala apples--crisp, juicy, sweet, tender,West Virginia grown, and this years crop. Now it's time to make Jewish Apple Cake, good anytime you have fresh juicy apples.You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this cake, but it's certainly best in the fall when you have access to the best Mother Nature has to offer.

Jewish Apple Cake

Liberally grease a bunt pan with butter and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1. In a large mixing bowl combine:

   1 stick of butter
   1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
   1 teaspoon vanilla

   add 2 large eggs one at a time and whip after each addition.

2. In a medium mixing bowl combine with wire whip:

   2 cups of flour
   1 teaspoon soda
   1 teaspoon cinnamon
   1/2 teaspoon salt

   Add to egg mixture

3. In a small bowl combine:

   2 large peeled chopped apples
   1 cup sour cream
   1 teaspoon vanilla

4.Begin with 1/3 of cake batter in bottom of pan, cover with half of apples mixture, then 1/3 cake batter, remaining of apple mixture then top with cake mixture.You will have 5 layers.

5. Crumble Topping:

   1/2 cup brown sugar
   1/2 cup flour
   1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
   4 tablespoons butter
Combine with a fork and sprinkle on top of cake batter and bake cake for about 45 minutes until golden brown and set until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10-20 minutes.

6. Glaze:
   In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup brown sugar
   1/2 teaspoon vanilla
   2 tablespoons water

Drizzle glaze over cake after removing from pan. Allow to harden until ready to serve.

Last year one of my daughters, 2 grandchildren, and I picked apples in the fall and made a cake. Children love helping harvest as much as they do the cooking and baking. Check out the orchards in your area and see if you can find one where you can pick your own apples. The experience of walking through the orchard and finding your favorite apples and knowing they are this year's crop is a wonderful experience.