Apple

The days are getting colder and the nights even more so. Baking feels right. Here is a recipe for apple cake. Serve it to someone you love and put this quote from Song of Solomon next to their plate. Better yet, send this greeting card and make this cake your regular winter lovesong.

Fabio's Apple Cake

Recipe by Fabio Viviani

Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

3-4 very ripe Red Delicious apples, peeled and cored

1 cup all-purpose, unbleached flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 large eggs, plus one yolk

¾ cup granulated sugar

zest of one orange

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp golden brown sugar

powdered sugar, for dusting

fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round springform pan.

In a food processor, pulse apples until pureed but still chunky (the apples will oxidize, turning brown, but it's perfectly fine.). You should have about 3 cups of apple puree. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add eggs, sugar, and beat on medium until incorporated.

Add orange zest and vanilla and beat on low speed, increasing to medium, then high, until the eggs are foamy and light-yellow in color.

Reduce speed to low and gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream.

Add pureed apples and mix until combined.

Gradually add the flour mixture.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, and mix again on low speed until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the batter. Do not over-mix.

Transfer batter to the prepared springform pan.

Sprinkle the top with brown sugar for a crunchy crust.

Bake for 1 hour, then cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

To serve, remove the sides of the pan and place on a platter.

Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a mint sprig.

MANGIA!

For That Special Someone