Winter indulgences...

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant."

~Anne Bradstreet

How true that is. As February arrives, winter is in its last weeks. But while it would be easy to let the shortest month fly by with little notice in anticipation of spring, I’m going to try to embrace winter’s last gasp with a few indulgences. One of them is perhaps my most favorite simple recipe ever: my mom’s apple cake. It is easy, delicious and addicting ~ perfect for a quick indulgence for yourself, friends or family in this month of love.

After I finish another piece of this scrumptious bit of heaven, along with a cup of tea, I’m going to work on my latest knitting project (photos to follow in the next week or so) and watch Downton Abbey again. (Has anyone else watched this? It is absolutely fabulous. If not, you can watch it here until the 22nd. Fair warning: It, too, is thoroughly addicting.)

And here’s the recipe for that apple cake, perfect on a winter's day...

Mom's Raw Apple Cake

Mix together in bowl by hand:
3 cups chopped baking apples
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups oil
2 eggs, well-beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

Sift together:
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix dry ingredients with apple mixture. Add 1 cup chopped nuts (optional).

Spread in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for an hour, or until toothpick comes out clean. (It may take longer than an hour, depending on your oven.)

Note: This cake is a cross between a cake and a coffee cake, if that makes sense. It's perfect for dessert or with your coffee in the morning or for a snack. The cake will keep up to three days, covered. After that, though, you'll find it becomes too moist, so plan to eat it within a couple days. Mind you, it never lasts that long at my house, but you never know.

I am linking to:

Tuesdays at the Table
Tuesday Night Supper Club
Fat Camp Fridays

Stop by each for more delicious recipes.