Debby's Apple-Walnut Cake

(This is an incredibly moist cake.  It does not need frosting.  Maybe just a small dollop of whipped cream if you are feeling the need for calories, but it's sweet enough and flavorful enough to stand on it's own with some cold milk or hot coffee.)

3 eggs
1 c. oil
2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon *
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. chopped walnuts
4 c. chopped apples

Beat the eggs and oil until foamy.  Add the sugar and beat until light and thick.  Sift the dry ingredients together and fold into the batter.  Stir in the vanilla.  (I added this after the sugar.)  Stir in the nuts and apples.  Spoon into a greased 9x13" baking dish.  Bake for 50 mins. at 350°. 

* I used 3/4 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp cardamom.

Mom's Apple Crisp

(I think this is an old 4-H recipe.  All I know for sure is that it's been in my taste experience forever.  It is the first dessert I make every Fall.  Its simplicity highlights the flavors of Autumn... apples and cinnamon.)

Mom's Apple Crisp

1 c. sugar (white or brown or combination of the two)
1 c. flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c. butter
4 c. cored, peeled, sliced apples
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 Tb. water (optional... use if apples are not very juicy)

Preheat oven to 375°.  Combine the dry ingredients.  Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Set aside.
Combine apple slices and cinnamon.  Place in a 8" baking dish.  Top with butter mixture.  Bake for 45 mins. or until apples are soft and crisp is bubbling.  (You may need to place a baking sheet on the rack below the crisp if the apples are extra juicy.)
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream while watching the harvest moon rise.