Apple upside-down cake

 
                           Apple Upside-Down Cake
 
 Recipe By     : 
 Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Cakes
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
      1/2  cup           Butter or margarine
    3      cups          Sugar
      3/4  cup           Chopped blanched almonds -- or walnuts, or pecan
    1      tablespoon    Ground cinnamon
    4      medium        Baking apples -- pared and
                         sliced
    2 3/4  cups          Sifted flour
    3      teaspoons     Baking powder
      1/2  teaspoon      Salt
      2/3  cup           Vegetable shortening
    1 1/2  cups          Milk
    2                    Eggs
    1      teaspoon      Vanilla extract
 
 1. Melt butter in 13x9x2" baking pan inoven while pre-heating; remove.
 Combine 1 cup of sugar, chopped nuts and cinnamon in small bowl.
 Sprinkle evenly oveer melted butter.
 Arrange apple slices, overlapping slightly.
 
  2. Sift flour, remaining sugar, baking powder and salt into large bowl.
 Add shortening, milk, eggs and vanilla.
 Beat at low speed, until combined, then at high speed for 2 minutes.
 Pour evenly over apples.
 
  3. Bake at 350 F (160 C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until top springs back
 when lightly pressed with fingertip.
 
  4. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Loosen around edges with a knife.
 Cover with a large serving tray or cookie sheet.
 Turn. Lift off pan.
 
  This came from an issue of either Family Circle or Woman's Day over 20 years 
 ago. It has never failed and has never failed to please. The original recipe 
 calls for the blanched almonds, but I prefer the taste and texture of walnuts 
 or pecans. I also recommend using Granny Smith apples, and unsalted margarine 
 can be used in place of vegetable shortening. Butter is best for the topping
 
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