SOUR CREAM APPLE CAKE

Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, 1998

1 1/2 pounds cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced, such as Granny Smith
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
2 cups plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups sweetened whipped cream

In a mixing bowl, toss the apples with 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of the nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon on the sugar. In a large oven-proof skillet, combine 1/2 stick of the butter and 1/2 cup of the sugar, over medium-high heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture caramelized and becomes syrupy. Spread the apples evenly over the bottom of the pan. Remove from the heat. Using an electric mixer, fitted with a paddle, cream the remaining 1 1/2 cups of sugar and remaining stick of butter together. Sift the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour together. Add the eggs, vanilla and sour cream to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth. Add the sifted flour mixture, a little at a time. Beat until smooth. Pour the batter over the apples. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden and the cake pulls away from the sides. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a platter and serve warm. Garnish with whipped cream.
 
 

Yield: 12 servings