Guaranteed

On Thursday, Hesston College's Bel Canto choir was in town, and a few of the choir members stayed overnight with us. When a friend asked if some of the others could come to our house afterwards for dessert, I said sure (as I love an excuse to make dessert).

As I debated what I wanted to make, I knew I had a bunch of extra apples, so I looked for an apple dessert. Since I had about an hour or so to make this before leaving for the concert, and pie and I have a testy relationship, I wanted something more cakey. This situation always leads me to the same answer: an apple cake recipe that Marilyn's sister gave me several years ago. I make this cake when I want an absolute guarantee that people will love it, and that's what I got. The cake is good, but the caramel sauce is unbeatable.

When all was said and done, there were 11 students and 5 hosts at our house till almost 11 PM that night, the cake was gone and everyone loved it. So next time you need a guaranteed yummy cake, try this one.

Caramel Apple Cake

3 eggs
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 c. oil
2 c. flour
1 t. soda
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
2 c. chopped apples
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Beat eggs, sugar, and oil. Fold in dry ingredients. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Caramel Sauce

1 T. corn starch
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. water
1/2 c. butter
1 t. vanilla

Cook in saucepan over medium-high heat until thick. Serve warm over cake.