Fresh Apple Cake

(Courtesy of Meredith Corporation)

Ingredients:
3 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 c. canola oil or vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped (about 3 cups)
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
Sweetened whipped cream (optional)
Apple slices (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 baking pan; set aside.  In a very large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; make a well in center of dry mixture and set aside.

In a medium bowl combine eggs, oil and vanilla; stir in apples and nuts.  Add egg mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened (batter will be thick).  Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.  Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.  If desired, top each serving with sweetened whipped cream and apple slices.