The Rec’s in the Mail

The most satisfying cooking depends on sharing. The same can be said of food writing: Letters from readers are a tremendous source of pleasure.

This column features a reader recipes that I particularly enjoyed. TheCinnamon Apple Cake recipe was accompanied by a note: “I hope this is a new recipe for you.” It is. The cake is moist and flavorful with very little fat.

Jean Chillicott of Costa Mesa sent me this recipe for Cinnamon Apple Cake. It can be served at brunch with just a dusting of powdered sugar or as a dessert with a dollop of frozen vanilla yogurt. In either case, it should be served warm. Chillicott prefers sweet apples while many may like the contrast of tart apples with the sweet cake.

CINNAMON APPLE CAKE 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup oil 1 egg 2 egg whites Vanillla 1 cup apple juice 3 (8-ounces each) large apples, Golden Delicious or Granny Smiths, peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Powdered sugar Frozen vanilla yogurt, optional

In large bowl mix flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir to mix well.

In mixing bowl beat sugar and oil until combined. Add egg, egg whites and vanilla and beat 1 minute. (Save remaining yolks for another use.) Beat in apple juice. Add flour mixture, using low speed just until mixed. Stir in apple slices and walnuts. Pour into generously greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup bundt pan. Smooth surface and place in center rack of oven.

Bake at 350 degrees 45 to 50 minutes, or until wood pick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes on rack and gently remove from pan. Dust with powdered sugar, pressed through fine sieve. Serve warm. Serve with small scoop frozen vanilla yogurt. Makes 12 servings.

Each serving contains about: 325 calories; 184 mg sodium; 18 mg cholesterol; 13 grams fat; 49 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams protein; 0.66 gram fiber.