Baking

I've always been quite intimidated by baking...maybe that's because I often confuse baking soda and baking powder or because I feel like a teaspoon can be estimated by a few shakes... or because I have been known to go down the list of ingredients, adding each into the bowl, before I look at the instructions (opps!)

Despite all of that, I have turned a new leaf! I have started baking... and now that I've started, I dare you to try to stop me! *wink* 

These recipes have been in my 'bake me' book of recipes that I've gathered over the years...since 2006!! So, it's about time I whipped them up!

I have a couple of recipes to post... so I better get to it!

Bake away!

signed, Julia Towell...not to be confused with Julia Child (giggle)

Applesauce Spice Cake by Real Simple 2006

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 2/3 cups jarred chunky applesauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup dark or golden raisins
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 2 pints vanilla ice cream

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Butter and flour a 9-inch springform or round cake pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, applesauce, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and eggs. Add the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Stir in the raisins. Pour into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the cake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Using a knife, loosen the cake from pan. Invert it onto the rack. Turn it over again onto a serving plate. Sprinkle the cake with the confectioners' sugar, slice into wedges, and serve with the ice cream