Apple cake with pomegranates
INGREDIENTS
Butter or margarine for greasing pan
1/2 cup (1stick) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar plus 2-3tablespoons sugar, divided use
1teaspoon finely minced lemon or orange zest (colored part of peel)
2 large eggs
1cup plus 2tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons milk
3Granny Smith apples
2tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup currant jelly or strawberry jelly 2tablespoons pomegranate juice
Seeds of 1 pomegranate, about 1 cup
DIRECTIONS
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position. Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter. Preheat oven to 400
Pomegranate seeds scattered on top this apple cake bring their intense flavor with notes of tartness.
degrees.
2. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade or in the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine butter, 3/4 cup sugar and zest; process until blended. Add eggs 1at a time, beating between additions.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and beat until blended, stopping to scrape down sides if needed. Add milk and beat until smooth. Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth out top.
4. Peel, core and thinly slice apples and arrange slices atop batter in pan, overlapping slices in concentric circles, starting at outside edge. Brush top with 2tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle 2tablespoons sugar on top. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add 1additional tablespoon of sugar.
5. Place springform pan on rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated 400-degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375degrees and bake an additional 30minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and apples are golden. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
6. Carefully remove rim from springform pan, first running a sharp knife around the edge.
7. In a small saucepan, combine jelly and pomegranate juice. Place on high heat and stir until melted. Remove from heat and brush on top and sides of cake. Cool.
8. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top of cake. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature accompanied by ice cream or whipped cream.