The Apple Doesn't Fall Far

I know, I should have shared this recipe a few weeks ago to be used during your holiday meals....but you will forgive me when you make it. You still have Sukkot, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas-plenty of time to try out this recipe! My dear friend Melissa shared this with me years ago and we both make it religiously during the Jewish holidays, calling each other and saying "Did you make it yet?" It is one of those earthy, homemade apple cakes that (most) people really love every time it is served! It's SUPER easy, despite not being perhaps the healthiest recipe that I share. I have not played around yet with this one-if you decide to please update me so I can try it your way!

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable/canola oil (or 1 cup oil and 1/2 cup applesauce-this I have done!)
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups peeled and chopped apples
1/2 cup walnuts, optional

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Combine oil, sugar and eggs until light and well mixed-I use an electric hand mixer for this recipe
• Add vanilla and mix
• Sift together dry ingredients and add to wet mixture
• NOTE-the batter will be VERY thick at this point! Add the apples and mix well by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon. Add nuts if you are using.
• Spray a bundt pan or 9 x 13 cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and spread batter in pan
• Bake for 65-75 minutes, depending on your oven. Check for doneness with a toothpick or knife after 65 minutes.
• Cool in pan on rack for about 45 minutes then turn onto plate and ENJOY!