October 22, 2007Props for the apple cake
I know it's odd for me to choose the third place winner when the first and second place cakes looked so good, but I'm a sucker for any dessert that includes apples. In fact, I've said before that I would choose apple pie over a piece of chocolate cake any day of the week. This apple pound cake turned out so delicious that I had to eat two slices last night. I guess with that and all the Frank's pizza I ate this weekend, my butt will be at the gym this week. The apple cake is a pretty simple one to make, although your arm is going to be tired from beating the thick batter by the time you're all done. Ignore the part of the recipe that calls for pouring the batter into a bundt pan; this batter was so thick that it had to be spooned into the pan. Plus, the recipe isn't kidding about having leftover batter. I had enough to make another, smaller cake in a loaf pan. Although the recipe called for unsweetened apple butter, I had a hard time finding that ingredient at my grocery store. Of course, I have a hard time finding a lot of things at my grocery store. I went ahead and used regular apple butter instead and I don't think it hurt the cake in the least. The consistency of this cake is out of this world-- very dense yet moist, with little bits of Granny Smith apple and a sugary crust. The glaze, which is made from apple juice concentrate, cinnamon and heavy cream, added a strong, fresh apple flavor. All in all, I'd say this is a perfect fall dessert. I urge you to give this recipe a try. |
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Comments
[October 22, 2007 11:07 AM]
JohnHave you ever made (or had) an Apple(sauce) Stack Cake?
Mmm, mmm.
[October 22, 2007 3:04 PM]
LindseyI've had an applesauce cake, but I'm not sure what an Apple Stack Cake is. Do tell.
My mom used to make a delicious apple bundt cake that didn't even require frosting because it came out so sugary on the outside.
[October 22, 2007 3:28 PM]
LoriLindsey, I understand the difficulties in finding anything at the grocery store. You've mentioned you shop at the Crossroads Kroger, and I live near that one, too. My finace and I have quit shopping there because they NEVER have anything. The customer service is lacking too. We started going to the Kroger in Daleville, which really does not take any longer considering all the lights and traffic to get to Crossroads. Even Daleville does not have all the specialty goods that the Cave Spring or Tanglewood Krogers have, though. How about some consistency, Kroger? The people on the North side of town love food, too!
[October 22, 2007 4:36 PM]
LindseyOh, Lori, don't get me started on the inconsistency issues with Kroger. I could write a whole column on that. We go to Crossroads Kroger because it literally takes us less than 5 minutes to get there. But every single week, I discover some ingredient that they either used to carry and then quit as soon as I got used to buying it or they never carried it in the first place. I've gotten tired of going someplace else for special ingredients so we may check out the Hollins store soon. They just remodeled that one. Although it sometimes makes me think about switching grocery chains altogether.
I can only assume that the Crossroads store is not well-stocked because they do not believe shoppers at that store demand as much variety. Still, I can't believe they don't even have a fresh seafood counter! Maybe when they finish remodeling all the stores in the higher-income parts of town, they'll finally get around to the Crossroads store.
[October 22, 2007 4:54 PM]
JohnIt's a layered apple cake (10 or 12 layers) with applesauce between each layer. Once assembled, you put it in the 'fridge with something heavy on top so it will condense. It's heavenly. Unfortunately, I've never gotten my Great Aunt to show me how to make it.
And amen, re: our little Crossroads Kroger. If I actually had to deal with the folks there, rather than check myself out, I probably wouldn't go.
[October 22, 2007 5:49 PM]
JayI go to the Tanglewood Kroger, which was recently remodeled so it's very nice inside. They have a great selection of veggies, meat, seafood, nutritional/organic, kosher, oriental, hispanic, bakery, etc. And a pharmacy..which is handy.
I go there first and pick out what I need. Then if I can't find something, I'm just down the street from Ukrops and Fresh Market. I don't like going to those stores first, because they're so overpriced. But for that one thing I really need -- they're great.
I guess judging by your description that this would be a little out of the way, but it's worth it. Set aside 2-3 hours on a Sunday afternoon and it can be quite relaxing.
[October 22, 2007 8:38 PM]
RichOh, now.
Don't cut on Kroger. They've got to make a buck too, and items with little movement are discontinued.
Grocery chains operate on razor thin profit margins as is...try finding HALF the variety of products at any given Wal*Mart Super Center compared to the Crossroads Kroger!
Why do native Roanokers think 10-15 miles across town through 6 more stop lights is too far to drive?
A good Kroger is well worth the drive to. The upper management of the local Kroger Marketing Area in live around Cave Springs and Tanglewood...even that Towers Store- those three stores can't be beat! I miss them, and can't wait until we get the big Kroger out on 460. Till then, I'll still drive to the Fresh Market, Cave Springs, and Tanglewood when I need that 'something' I know the others don't carry.
[/rant]
[October 23, 2007 10:25 AM]
LindseyJohn, I've had a few bad service experiences at the Crossroads Kroger, but I will say that Duane in the meat department and Mark and Brandon in the pharmacy are always a pleasure to deal with.
Rich, you're right-- there are plenty of nice Kroger stores in the Roanoke area. I particularly like Tanglewood and Daleville and I usually stop there if I'm in the neighborhood. But why, when we have so many Kroger stores in the city, should I HAVE to drive across town to shop when I have a Kroger store 3 miles away? I know you're right about their need to watch the bottom line. But it seems like a lot of folks from out of town would want to shop at Crossroads given its location near Valley View Mall, Sam's Club, etc.
[October 23, 2007 7:40 PM]
Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/My mate has pointed out that I was too harsh in my comments about service at the Crossroads store. In reality, he's correct that only one employee there was ever rude to us and we haven't seen him in quite a while.
Shout out to everyone else.
But I still wish the company would invest a little more in that particular location.
[October 24, 2007 10:23 AM]
CraigPerhaps some of this will be redundant but I just wanted to offer my own words of praise for the Kroger stores I shop in. The first location I ever visited was the Cave Spring store and I've been partial to it ever since. The variety is fantastic, prices are good and the staff always friendly and helpful. In particular I commend Chef Alls and his colleagues, the guys and girls at the check-out and the lady who serves the sausage samples and never fails to offer me 'seconds'. I especially appreciate the international food sections which seem to be expanding - the only place I've found to grab a bag of Maltesers or a Bounty bar! Lately, I've also visited the Tanglewood store which has some items the Cave Spring store doesn't. But you never forget your first love and so for me the Cave Spring Kroger is still the best.
[October 24, 2007 11:32 AM]
JayLindsey
It seems we have another hot topic! Is there a way you can do a pro/con type piece on the advantages/disadvantages of local supermarkets, without pissing off sponsors? I know I'd read it!
(P.S. If you have to bleep that out, feel free.)
[October 24, 2007 1:41 PM]
Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/Jay, that's not a bad idea. I believe everyone is interested in the quality of our grocery stores.
Personally, I have no sponsors. All I'm obligated to do is tell the truth.
[October 24, 2007 6:01 PM]
LoriWow, I really opened that door didn't I??
Like Lindsey, we shop at the Crossroads Kroger for the convenience.
The Kroger stores just seem to echo the inequity between the North side of town and the South. It's an economical segregation. The Crossroads Kroger doesn't have to stock everything that the Tanglewood or Cave Spring Krogers do because the shoppers don't demand it. So when I want really good cheese, or prosciutto I know where to go.
What frustrates me about Crossroads is that sale items don't get restocked or are not clearly marked.
Also, I really wish someone would do something with the old Crossroads mall. It's gotten to be such an eyesore. There are good shops in the area behind it near Sams and such, but the front needs a major facelift. Let's get Jenny Boone on that!!