By Teri Cayton
The Parsons Advocate
Another birthday has come and gone and the only thing any good about this one is I am eligible for Medicare now. Whoopie!! I always figured by the time I became eligible for Social Security and Medicare all the money would be gone and I would have worked for nothing. I will have to say, it has been a long and hard road to get this far. Momma Said, “At least I woke up on the right side of the dirt for another birthday.”
The aches and pains are getting more pronounced, I never pass up a bathroom and I definitely don’t trust a tooter. You can read into that what you will…have had a few close calls lately. I am sure a few of you out there can relate to that! My self-confidence has been put to the test a couple times.
The days and months are ticking down to end of another year. It seems I blink and months have gone by in a blur. I am not looking forward to winter and all the bundling up to keep warm. I have always had a problem staying warm in cold weather but it is more noticeable now, especially my feet, they stay cold all the time even when it is warm out.
The best part about getting older is…nothing. I can’t think of one good thing to say other than at least my hair isn’t falling out. Oh yea, I still have all my teeth and they are healthy, knock on wood. I just had a check-up and the Doc said everything is great. Momma Said, “I would rather lose my hair than my teeth.” That being said, here is a great recipe to kick in fall.
Applesauce Cake
Ingredients
CAKE
- 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. allspice
- 1 cup applesauce, unsweetened or regular
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
- 8 oz. brick of cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup), room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- optional: 1/8 tsp. salt and dash of milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice.
- In a separate larger mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil and eggs, whisk together. Using a spatula, gently mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Note: if using a metal pan, the baking time may be shorter.
- Allow the cake to cool for r 1 hour before adding the frosting.
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
- Place room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium and beat together for 1-2 minutes, until whipped and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar (and optional salt) beat again on low for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until everything is incorporated.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk or heavy cream, beat until creamy. Spread the frosting on top of the cake.