APPLESAUCE CAKE

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup raisins 6 tablespoons warm water 1 2/3 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup butter, at room temperature 1 large egg 1 cup sweetened applesauce 1/2 cup pecans or other nuts, chopped Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional) Makes 12 servings, each 440 calories (34.7 percent calories from fat), 18 g fat, 60 mg cholesterol, 420 mg sodium, 70 g carbohydrates, 4 g dietary fiber, 6 g protein. Source: “Naomi’s Home Companion” by Naomi Judd/www.epicurean.com

DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms of 1 (8-inch) square or (8-inch) round layer cake pan. Line bottom of pan with waxed paper, and then grease the paper. In a small cup, soak raisins in the warm water until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain the excess liquid. Onto a clean sheet of waxed paper, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and salt. In large bowl, with electric mixer at low speed, beat together butter, egg and applesauce until well blended. On low speed, beat in flour mixture until well blended. Stir in raisins and nuts. Scrape into prepared pan. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cake cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut cake into 6 pieces. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you’d like.