In honor of my paternal grandmother, who always made this cake especially at Christmas, I have produced a poor version of my own. Hers would have had at least twice as many layers, much thinner and better fit to absorb the apple. I'm not even sure if she used apple butter or cooked the filling from dry apples; I used an apple butter that is locally produced without added sweeteners, as the cake itself has a cup of each sugar and molasses and the apples have natural sugars as well.
Hers would have looked and tasted much nicer, but hopefully wherever she is she is pleased by being remembered and included. She was the only of my grandparents to live long enough to meet my wife, and also the only one to take a switch to me when she thought I deserved it. I learned to make biscuits from her, and always enjoyed her simple country cooking. Aside from cake-making, I don't know that she ever used spices other than plain salt and black pepper, but somehow everything she cooked was delicious. Her given name was Anna Lee, née Thurman, a common Southern name with Old Norse origins.
2 comments:
My uncle made one every Christmas following his grandmother's recipe and it was always a special treat when we visited. The layers were thin and I think the applesauce was made by my aunt (mother's sister). He was so Appalachian that I didn't really understand much of what he said before "Amen" but the meaning was evident. Thank you for reminding me of those times.
It is my honor, my pleasure, and a privilege.
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