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It's apple time! I think apples are the best fruit going. They have a versatility like no other fruit; from sweet to savory and everything in between. The uses for this forbidden fruit are infinite. So, when apple-picking time comes along, I dive in and cook until the last round red beauty drops from the tree.

This recipe, known as Nana's Apple Cake here, came from my husband's maternal grandmother. She was Pennsylvania Dutch and was a wonderful cook. She passed on her talents to my mother-in-law who in turn shared delicious family recipes with me. She had little choice there, my husband was accustomed to certain family favorites and I needed to know how to make them. This apple cake is so easy it's nearly criminal. The kids adore it and it disappears in no time.

Use whatever apples you like, I do suggest that the Red Delicious variety are saved for eating raw. Look for a firm round apple and you won't go wrong.

Simple Apple Cake

Hands-On Time: 15 minutes
Ready In: 45 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients:

8 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples - about 4 large or 8 small
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar - divided
2/3 cup butter - softened
2 eggs
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (I prefer freshly grated)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Layer apples in a 9x13 baking dish.
3. Combine butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and beat well.
5. Add flour and baking powder and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Combine 1/4 cup of remaining sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons over apples in pan.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough over apples and spread together until apples are evenly covered.
8. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon-nutmeg sugar over dough.
9. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.

Notes: I serve this with sweetened sour cream: To 1 cup of sour cream add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar. Stir to combine.