apple cake: all the small things

A lot of things are taken for granted in life. Sometimes it is usually the smallest things that can make you happy, but we often forget about them, or don't appreciate how wonderful they can be.

A smile, a kiss, a hug. These are all wonderful things. Spending time with amazing friends and family, even if you're not doing anything special, are moments to be treasured. Especially when you haven't seen them in a while. After a second stage and constant working, I forgot how much I missed my friends.

Just finally seeing their faces put a smile on mine. It was a birthday celebration on a Halloween night. A night out that was much deserved, full of laughter, singing and obligatory 3 am poutine. And then the relaxing doing-absolutely-nothing-all-day brunch the next morning/afternoon. I love those days because of their simplicity. It requires no planning, just enjoying the moment.  Not to mention throwing any sort of diet out the window (poutine, grilled cheese bacon sandwich followed by even more bacon in the morning and delicious St-Viateur bagels and scrambled eggs). How can anyone ever be sad after so much greasiness?!

 

Sometimes we forget to enjoy the little things, but they are what make life so enjoyable. It goes to show how important it is to never look passed those moments and know that no matter what, the littlest happy moments can make your day that much better. The smell of new books, sleeping in newly washed sheets, sun shining down, stepping on crunchy leaves and the smell of warm brown sugar apple cake.

Those are my things right now. What are yours?

Brown Sugar Apple Cake


This is no glamorous cake. It's a simple and quick cake made with basic ingredients but it is elegant. Do not confuse it's simplicity with a less than fantastic taste. It's warm and delicious and perfect for apple lovers. Serve at tea time and your guests will love you. And no, there aren't any ground cherries in it, I just thought they looked cute for the picture. You can certainly add some or substitute with any stone fruit or berries if you wish. I love how versatile this cake can be.

Ingredients
 
Yields one 9-inch cake
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

Granulated sugar, for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 oz (6 tbsp or 3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs

4 McIntosh apples (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tbsp packed light brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 oz (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Procedure

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and sprinkle with granulated sugar.  (This seems like a small step, but if you are planning on making this, do not skip the sugar in the pan. I can assure you that it will add a wonderful taste and texture to your cake).

Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together the melted butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, the milk, and eggs in another bowl. Whisk the flour mixture into the eggs.

Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Place sliced apples over the batter in a decorative pattern and gently press slightly into the batter. Combine the remaining 2 tbsp brown sugar and the cinnamon, and sprinkle over apples. Dot with remaining 2 tbsp butter. Bake until apples are tender and dark gold, and a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 55-60 minutes. Leave to cool in pan 15 minutes. Remove from springform pan to cool completely.