Fresh Apple Cake

Makes 12 to 15 servings

5 baking apples, cored, peeled and sliced

2 t. cinnamon

2-1/2 c. plus 5 T. sugar, divided

3 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. salt

4 eggs

1 c. oil

2 t. vanilla extract

1/3 c. orange juice

1-1/2 t. baking powder

1-1/2 t. baking soda

Toss apples with cinnamon and 5 tablespoons sugar; set aside. Mix remaining ingredients together; blend well. Pour 1/3 into a greased and floured 10" tube pan; layer with one half of the apples. Repeat layers; pour remaining batter on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center removes clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes; invert tube pan and remove to cool completely. Frost with Brown Sugar Icing.

Brown Sugar Icing:

1/2 c. shortening

1 c. brown sugar, packed

1/4 c. milk

2 c. powdered sugar

Nestle a warm pie or cake inside a red and orange berry wreath...it’ll be a perfect harvest welcome wreath long after the dessert is gone!