Apple Cake

 

This is another family recipe and comes from Grandma Lois, and has been at every family event since I can remember.  With a bowl full of apples that needed to be used, I talked to mom and got the recipe and made it.  I used three different varieties of apples, and used half whole wheat flour and half all purpose.  Turned out moist and sweet.  I think a drizzle of caramel sauce will set this off perfectly tonight for dessert.

 

Apple Cake

Dry Ingredients

3 cups flour (1/2 whole wheat can be used)

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp soda

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

WET ingredients

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups canola oil

2 eggs beaten

2 tsp vanilla

 

Throw the apples into the wet ingredients and mix, then dry and then the nuts. The batter will be VERY dense. Place in a 13 X 9 baking dish and bake in a 325 oven for 25 minutes, then turn up the heat to 350 and bake another 25-30 minutes or till center comes clean with a toothpick.

 

Canning Spaghetti Sauce

Years ago Chris’ grandma gave me a recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce to can. It couldn’t be any simpler.  With an abundant supply of Marzano tomatoes I decided to put up a couple dozen jars this year.  Here is how I did it!

Grandma Larsen’s Spaghetti Sauce

2 large chopped onion

2 cloves garlic (chopped)

12 tomatoes scalded and peeled and chopped (see note below)

2 cups water

2 beef bouillon cubes

4 tsp basil

2 bay leaves

2 tsp salt

1 tsp oregano

1 12 ounce can tomato paste or 1 quart tomato juice

 

Simply cook 1 or 2 hours until thick enough, seal in hot jars.  I use a crock pot and let it cook all day.  I then pressure can it according to manufacturers suggestion for our altitude.  I get about 5 1/2 pints out of this recipe

Note: Before dropping tomatoes in boiling water to scald and peel, mark the bottom with a small X. Drop in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, till skins start to crack and remove from water

Steak Marinade

Easy Peasy!  That’s what this one is.  This came off the back of Montreal Steak Seasoning years ago.  I am forever asked for it.  Here it is.

Montreal Steak Seasoning Marinade

 ¼ cup Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (I use low sodium)

2 tsp. Montreal Steak Seasoning

Mix all ingredients and marinade for at least an hour or overnight.