Apple Cake

A scoop of vanilla ice cream placed on top of this cake is great especially when you add the Hot Caramel Sauce!

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium cooking apples, peeled and grated

Preheat oven to 350*. Lightly grease an 8 inch square baking pan. Cream butter with sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the egg. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter by stirring with a wooden spoon. Stir in the walnuts and apples. Spoon mixture into the baking pan.

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from heat and cool completely before cutting into squares. Top each piece with the Hot Caramel Sauce after placing on individual serving plates.

Serves 16

Hot Caramel Sauce

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/8 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup half and half cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt

Melt butter in a heavy medium saucepan over a low heat. Add remaining ingredients. Stir well while bringing it to a boil, slowly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens for about 5 to 6 minutes.

Makes 1 1/3 cups