We’re starting to go a little stir-crazy. Now that its the end of February I am officially, 100%, unequivocally DONE with winter. There is plenty to do in this city to keep Evelyn and me busy most mornings before her afternoon nap, but last week was kinda quiet for us. So, what are two girls who are stuck in the house on a chilly winter day left to do? Bake, of course!

This recipe comes from my friend Brenda. It was her grandmother Ethel’s creation, and it is loaded with old-fashioned charm and simplicity. I love that the entire ingredient list is mixed together at once, which makes clean-up a breeze. The whole house smells warm and cozy while the cake bakes, and once it is finished its the perfect treat on a winter day. Although I never met Ethel, in my imagination she was definitely a Homemade Mother!

Grandmother Ethel Haley’s Apple Cake

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cup oil (I used one cup oil and some apple sauce and it turned out fine)
3 eggs (I used two extra large eggs)
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3-4 chopped apples
cinnamon and nutmeg, to taste (I had neither so I used about 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice)
nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all the ingredients together. Pour the thick batter into a 9×13 cake pan. Bake for 1 hour.

Top with powdered sugar or make a simple glaze by warming brown sugar, butter, vanilla and a little milk together in a small pan.