Cider Apple Cake

Note from Cheri: The recipe and text below are reprinted with permission from Bodyfoods for Busy People by Jane Clarke (2006 McBooks Press). We all know we should take the time to eat healthier, but all too often life gets in the way. In this book nutritionist and cook Jane Clarke tackles the problem head on with practical tips, advice and recipes that you can put into practice every day to make your life (and your family's) healthier and more vibrant. The book starts with ten easy steps to make your life healthier, followed by practical strategies and easy to make recipes to help put those steps into practice. Clarke will also teach you how to eat out at restaurants and stay healthy and even turn your home into a spa for a 48 hour mini-rejeuvenation. There are over 100 simple to prepare delicious recipes that will take you through every part of the day (and even give you snacks for when you're on the move). Click here for our full review of this book along with discount ordering links through Amazon.com and more terrific healthy recipes.

This English cake is packed full of apples. Try to use cider with a medium-sweet flavor..

1 stick butter, softened scant 1/2 cup granulated brown sugar 2 eggs, beaten scant 2 cups self-rising whole-grain flour 1 teaspoon mixed spice (apple pie spice) 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 5/8 cup plus 1 tablespoon hard cider 1 large cooking apple, peeled and grated

Makes a 7-Inch Cake Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 7-inch square cake pan and line the base with parchment paper. In a large bowl beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy then gradually beat in the eggs. Gently fold in the flour, mixed spice, and nutmeg. Stir in the cider and apple. Spoon into the prepared pan, and bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Leave to cool slightly, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares before serving.