The Comfort of Apples

Norwegian Apple Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp baking powder
3 apples, peeled, cored and cut into slices

Topping: 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon / sliced or chopped almonds (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 400*F/200*C and butter an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan, set aside.  In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add the flour and baking powder.  Then add the egg, mixing the batter well.  Pour this into the prepared cake pan.  Layer the apple slices around the top of the cake in a pretty circular pattern.  Sprinkle cake top with the cinnamon and sugar topping mixture.  And sprinkle over the sliced or chopped almonds, if using.  Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cake tests done.  Cool cake a bit before cutting and serving.  Delicious served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream, creme fraiche, whipped cream or custard!

This is one of our favorite cakes to make in the autumn... or anytime, really!  A note about the recipe... I have translated the measurements from metric, which we use here, so hope this makes sense. It is very easy  to make, and ideal for a quick treat on the weekends.

My post title is inspired by the great food writer, Ruth Reichl's book, Comfort Me with Apples, a terrific foodie read.   So is her lovely memoir Tender at the Bone.  I see she has a new book, with a very amusing title, Not Becoming My Mother.  I've not read this one yet, but  have it on my list.  Anyone read it yet?  I love food memoirs, cookbooks... anything about life, love and food! The film Julie & Julia has just lately premiered here, but I have yet to see it. Can't wait! 

Hope you all will take time for some comfort food, love and other joys this weekend.  Happy Days, my dear family & friends!   :o)

P.S. Want another cake-fix with no calories?!  Stop by my other place, A Certain Slant of Light, for some carrot cake we had at a very unique restaurant.  Also you will see a new feature in the sidebar there:  Fabulous Photographers and Artists.  This is an ever expanding list of bloggers who inspire with their gift for taking photos and creating a variety of art.

Also if you've not looked around here in a bit, my Beautiful Blogs section in the right sidebar has lately been updated and expanded too--friends and bloggers who inspire me, and who just might inspire you too!

Comments

[driftwood]

mmm delicious xoxoxox

[dottycookie]

That looks yummy. I have some apples that need using up - you may have supplied the perfect solution ...

[Carol]

Good morning my sweet - well, like mother, like daughter. I happen to have Ruth Reichl's book Not Becoming My Mother on my to read list also. The apple cake looks really good, simple ingredients that most of us have on hand. I think I'll make this one for Daddy. You all have a good weekend...but don't work too hard. Dr. Mom's orders! Miss and love you dearly, Momma

[P.K.]

This looks very good. I love anything made with apples. I will have to give this a try. I am looking forward to reading Not Becoming My Mother. It sounds very interesting.

[Gigi]

First, that cake looks divine, Tracy!
Second, I love Ruth Reichl! Todd gave me Not Becoming My Mother for my birthday, and I read it in one afternoon. It's very short, and you will revisit some Mim stories from her other works, but in a new light. It's a lovely read.

Thanks for this lovely autumnal post!

xoxo Gigi

[Lynda]

This looks delicious Tracy! Bookmarking this to try sometime ... I'll let you know when I do. I missed seeing "Julie & Julia" but I'm reading the book (yes, I'm reading!!) and love it! I'll watch the movie when the dvd comes out.

Happy weekend, dear friend!

xo,
Lynda

[Beverly]

Tracy, you are always so good to share with us. This looks delicious. I wish I lived close enough to come share some with you. ;-)

I have a couple to questions for you. Would you please tell me how you set up the link in your side bar and the blog list. I've been wanting to do that on my blog.

And, do you know what allows the designs next to the comments you receive. I don't get those on my blog.

Thanks. And, enjoy your weekend.

[ellen b]

Oh that would be so good with my cup of coffee Tracy. It's so pretty :0)

[Sophie]

I love seeing different versions of apple cake. I don't think there's ever been an apple cake I didn't like. I especially like the topping on this one.

[willow]

Tracy, your cooking and photography never fail to inspire me!

[❦TattingChic]

I agree that apples can be comforting. Sometimes when I am sad I make my Mother's apple dumpling recipe. It is not the healthiest thing to eat, but it sure is delicious! The apple cake you've made looks yummy, too!

[Jennyff]

Great minds Tracy, I've been baking apple cake with some windfalls from the garden. But because I'm a little big bigger than I'd like to be at the moment, am eating mine with natural yoghurt. It really is the time for comfort food especially as the clock change at the weekend. Have a wonderful cosy weekend.

[Lemony Renee']

When I read your post's title, I thought, "I wonder if she's ever read the book . . ." I see you have AND you told me something I don't know . . . Ruth has a new book out! I did not know that, but must get it. (P.S. Don't forget Garlic & Sapphires!)

[Pat]

Hi Tracy
Your Norwegian version of apple cake looks delicious! I like an easy to make cake with lots of nuts and cinnamon incorporated in it, which is really healthy.
I'm making an apple cheese tort this weekend because I have some cream cheese I want to use up, and if I have apples left over I'll also try your recipe.
Are you finished with all your house painting and wallpapering? Have a good weekend!
Hugs, Pat

[Anne Donald]

That looks so delicious!!

[Anali]

I love the simplicity of this cake. It reminds me of Dorie Greenspan's Swedish Visiting Cake. I just bought a bag of apples and this looks like a very good use for three of them. Thanks for the recipe! Oh and also thank you for the link love in your Beautiful Blogs! ;)

[Ragna Shollenberger]

This brings back memories of childhood indulgences of eple terter.
I wouldn't mind being in company with you and your dear husband right now as you delight in every bite of your creation. Nam, nam.....

[nance]

ohhhh ... I'd better make sure to copy the recipe, sounds delish! I just bought lots of apples to store for the winter at a farmer's market...their apples are not coated with that sticky stuff/preservatives?

Have a restful weekend, my friend! ;)

Hugs,
nance

[nikkipolani]

Yes, I thought immediately of Ruth Reichl's book. I remember devouring it in about one sitting. Your cake looks fantastic, Tracy. I was just in the mood for something apple-y and the almond topping put me over the edge. Maybe this weekend :-)

[stefanie]

that looks...delicious! my mouth is watering for pie now! haha. and........i'm very honored that i was picked for your beautiful blogs list. that is so sweet of you. thank you!!!!

[Paz]

Your apple cake looks scrumptious. I love memoirs of all kinds.

Paz

[Amanda]

Great minds think alike! I just made an apple crisp!

[kamana]

thank you!!!! i bought a lot of apples today, and have been just wondering what i could do with them. this is just what i need ot do with them :)

[Samantha]

Oh man, that looks incredible!!!

[alaine hall]

Years ago I used to 'whip up' an Apple Tea Cake for visitors. This is very similar. Thanks for reminding me; I'll go out to buy some apples!