Giving Mushy Apples a Kick in the Pants

Recently, I was plagued with 2 weeks of mushy, mealy apples from the supermarket. Every time I bit into a Red Delicious it was like I was fed a spoonful of applesauce - gross!

Rather than throw the apples at the wall in disgust or play a trick on an unsuspecting co-worker (Hey so-and-so, would you like a nice, crisp apple with your lunch?), I decided to take out my frustration on the fruit itself and torture the sad excuse for an apple. I scrubbed them under freezing cold water, peeled their skin and then took a sharp knife and hacked away at them like a scene from Saw VI. And for the finale, I squirted them with lemon juice on their open wounds! Take that!

Once I let go of my anger, I looked down at the bowl of apples and decided I was a bit harsh. These apples needed a new purpose in life. A sweet, warm purpose that would bring smiles to those who enjoyed them. I decided to make them into Apple Almond Cake. Even apples need a lil' TLC.

Apple Almond Cake

Here's what you need: 
2 eggs
3 cups flour
2 tsp. of lemon zest
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
sprinkle of Nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar (light)
1 cup cooking oil
1 tbsp. vanilla
3 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 4 medium apples)
12 oz. sliced almonds (you can also use pecans or walnuts)

Here's what to do:
Let eggs sit at room temp. for at least 30 minutes. Grease and flour a bundt pan or flat Pyrex dish. (I've used both pans for this cake.)

Wash, peel, core and chop apples and place in a bowl. Squeeze lemon juice over the apples (about 1/2 lemon will do.) This will keep apples from turning brown and soft and adds a bit of tartness. You can use this trick anytime you bake with apples.

Combine sugars, vanilla, oil, and eggs in a stand mixer bowl (or medium bowl if you're using a hand mixer) and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

In another medium bowl, combine flour, lemon zest, baking soda and powder, and spices and stir together with a spoon or fork.

Add flour mixture to the wet mix and beat on low until combined. DO NOT OVER MIX!

Remove bowl from mixer and fold in apples and almonds. The batter will be very clumpy, thick and sticky.

Spoon batter into baking dish and place in a 350 degree oven for one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake.

Allow cake to cool completely on wire rack before cutting. The almonds add some bite to the cake. The cake will be moist and chewy. Personally, I think this is the way apples should live their lives - reincarnated through desserts.