Tennessee Apple Cake

One of my favorite places to eat lunch in Tennessee was at a log cabin cafe called the Apple Cake Tea Room.  I was never able to get my hands on their apple cake recipe.  It's amazing when you bite into something how it can bring back a memory.  One bite of this apple cake & I was sitting in the Apple Cake Tea Room.  It warms my heart each time I eat it!  I usually make it in a 9x13 pan - but recently made it in a bundt pan -- DELICIOUS!  Hope you enjoy!

Tennessee Apple Cake ;)

2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla
3 chopped & peeled large apples (about 3 cups - whatever type is your favorite - I use Golden Delicious)
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix dry ingredients.  Add oil, eggs, & vanilla.  Fold in the apples & nuts.  You will feel like it doesn't have enough moisture when mixing everything together.  Don't you worry - though - it will turn out nice & yummy!  Grease & flour baking pan of choice.  Place in the oven (this recipe begins w/ a cold oven) & then turn on the oven to 350.  Bake for 1 hour or until done.

Caramel Glaze:
1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup. light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup milk

Mix and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly - pour the caramel glaze over the cooled cake.  Enjoy!