APPLE UPSIDE-DOWN SQUARE CAKE

1 stick + 2 tbsp butter, divided

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
3 medium Granny Smith, or other cooking apples, pared and sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 stick butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup buttermilk
whipped cream

Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a 9 x 9-inch square baking pan.  Spread the 1/2 cup of brown sugar over the butter.  Sprinkle the pecans over the brown sugar and arrange the apple slices over the pecans.

Cream the stick of butter, the 2/3 cup of brown sugar, and the granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla until thoroughly combined.

combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together.  Add to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk.  Spread the batter over the apple slices.

Bake cake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until done. 

Serve cake warm, cut into squares and top with whipped cream.

Yield: 9 servings

file photo