Saucy Apple Cake

It was a beef stew kind of day today. Rainy and gray and very chilly. And nothing goes better with beef stew than apple cake with warm vanilla sauce. The rest of the family seemed to think so too as this was about all that was left after dinner this evening!

OVEN: 350 degrees

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups peeled, shredded tart apple
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and shortening. Add egg and mix well. Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in the apples and walnuts. Spread in a greased 8 inch square baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cake tests done.

Vanilla Sauce:

1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup light cream (I use milk)
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine sugar, cornstarch and cream/milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add butter and vanilla; stir until butter is melted. Serve warm over warm cake.

Makes: 9 servings