Thinking of Tuscany on a day like today – cold and dreary – makes me happy and thinking of Tuscany always brings back memories of mornings on the farm, waking up to the smells of the fresh goodies that Marianna made everyday for breakfast.
One of my favourites was this apple cake. Simple, full of apples and studded with sweet dates and creamy pine nuts…a perfect combination!
It is a cinch to throw together (no wonder because it was one of 15-20 dishes she made every morning!).
Go buy some apples and try it next weekend when, hopefully, the sun is shining and we can all dream of brighter days ahead!.
Ingredients:
4 large apples, cored, peeled and sliced
100 g pkg of pine nuts
1/3 c chopped dates
1/3 c butter
3/4 c sugar
1 lemon, zested
4 eggs
1 c flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp baking powder
100 ml milk
2. Add the baking powder to your flour and give it a stir; set aside
3. In a mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy; add eggs and lemon zest and stir again.
4. Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture and mix gently; then add the milk and mix gently again.
7. Pour into a well greased 9×13 ” pan and bake for 30-40 minutes.
