My Thunder Cake

As a teacher, I read many interesting books.  One in particular is titled Thunder Cake, by Patricia Polacco.  In this lovely story a grandmother helps a child deal with a scary storm by occupying her in the kitchen.  Unfortunately, my own son wasn't home during today's round of storms.  But to pass the time, I decided to make my own yummy, time-passer.  The cake is part sweet, part spice, and part tangy...but all together delicious!

Spicy Apple Bundt Cake with Cider Glaze
   
    1 3/4 cups sugar
    1 cup vegetable oil
    1/2 cup applesauce
    3 eggs
    1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    1 cup wheat flour
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    2 cups chopped, peeled tart apples
    1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
    1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  
    APPLE CIDER GLAZE:
    1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    2 tablespoons butter or margarine
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla
    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

    In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in apples, nuts and raisins. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. bundt pan.
    Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 to 1-1/4  hours or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan to a wire tack to cool completely.
    In a small  saucepan, combine glaze ingredients; cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until syrup coats back of spoon. Prick top of cake with a fork or toothpick; drizzle with glaze.

 Fresh out of the oven...
    










Glazed Goodness...