Selma Hurwitz of Potomac, Maryland, writes: "I'm an artist, and I think that without question cooking is very creative. You can't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen. I often get ideas from cookbooks and recipes from friends, and I'll add my own touches. The apple cake is inspired by a cookbook from Michigan — I just added more rum and spices. Both recipes are great for company and freeze beautifully."
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan. Boil rum in heavy small saucepan until reduced to 1/4 cup. Set aside.
Step 2
Sift next 5 ingredients into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat rum, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla in large bowl until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add flour mixture; beat just until blended. Stir in apples, walnuts, and raisins. Transfer batter to prepared pan.
Step 3
Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool cake in pan on rack. Cut into squares and serve.
