Odetta's Applesauce Cake

About a month ago my mom gave me copies of some of my ancestors recipes.  They are fun because they are in their actual handwriting and they have directions on them like "bake in a moderate oven". This recipe was my great-grandma Odetta's go-to recipe for apple sauce cake.  It's got a bit of a twist in that you add cocoa to it!  I know that applesauce can be used as a healthy alternative to oil but this cake also features 2 cups of sugar so it's not health food. Apparently my family has always enjoyed sugar! It's a good hearty cake and was very quick to make.

The recipe calls for raisins which I omitted but after trying the cake I think it would be delicious with some shredded carrot or zucchini...so I will probably try it with that next time.  She baked it in loaves and served it like a dessert bread.  I baked it in a 9x13 pan and topped it with a cream cheese icing*. Give it a try either way!

*I used the cream cheese icing from my cinnamon roll recipe. Click here to check it out!

Odetta's Apple Sauce Cake

1 cup shortening

2 cups sugar

1 qt. unsweetened applesauce (4 cups)

4 tsp. baking soda

3 eggs

3 7/8 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves (optional-I left it out)

1 pkg. raisins (optional-I left it out)

1 cup walnuts

Cream shortening and sugar together in a large bowl.  Meanwhile, in a separate bowl warm applesauce for about 1 min. in the microwave.  Dissolve baking soda in warm applesauce. Add applesauce to shortening mixture.  Add eggs, flour, and spices.  Mix until combined.  Fold in raisins and walnuts if desired.  Place in a 9x13 baking dish or divide evenly into 3 large bread pans (or 4 small bread pans).  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min.

Barbecue Pork Sandwiches

 

Here's a quick recipe that can feed a lot of people! Not only that but you throw it all in the crock-pot and let it cook all day.  We have it a lot with company because then you can spend time with your visitors instead of cooking all day!  Also, it's sweet so kids love it.  Mine eat without the bun a lot.  It's also a great contribution for potlucks because one pot goes a long way.  I usually buy the big 2-pack pork roast at Smith's, double the recipe and then freeze half after I've cooked it. The frozen meat is great for a night where you don't have time to cook or if you need a meal to take to a friend. Enjoy!

Barbecue Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients:

3-4 lb. pork roast  

1 cup barbecue sauce (I LOVE Sweet Baby Ray's)

1/4 cup honey

3 T. dried minced onion

Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns

Pepperjack or provolone slices (optional)

Instructions:

Place pork roast in a large crock pot.  In a small bowl combine barbecue sauce, honey and minced onion.  Pour sauce over roast.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  (meat will be cooked at 6 but is easiest to shred at about 8 hours).  When roast is ready, shred  using forks or use you kitchen-aid*.  Do not discard juices. After shredding let sit in crock pot for 5 minutes to allow meat to re-absorb sauce. Serve on sandwich rolls with cheese if desired. Enjoy!

* Click here for directions on how to shred meat in a Kitchen-aid.

Or...

Freezer Meal Prep Instructions:

Place pork roast in a gallon sized freezer bag. In a small bowl combine bbq sauce, honey and minced onion.  Pour sauce over pork roast. Seal, label and freeze.  Place sandwich rolls in another gallon sized freezer bag. Label and freeze.

Freezer Meal Cooking Instructions:

Cook pork in a large crock pot on low for 6-8 hours or until cooked through and easily shredded.  Shred with forks or in a stand mixer (I use my kitchenaid with the flat paddle attachment). 

Serve shredded pork on rolls with sliced cheese, extra bbq sauce, tomato, and lettuce if desired..