Vintage Recipe--Applesauce Cake

To make an Applesauce Cake:

1 3/4 cups sifted flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg, well-beaten
1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.  Sift together the flour, spices, salt and baking soda.  Cream shortening. Add sugar gradually; continue beating until well mixed. Add egg and beat well. Stir in apple sauce. Add sifted dry ingredients; stir only enough to blend. Pour into pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.  Cool in the pan for 5 minuges. Remove and cool on a rack. Frost with Butter Frosting. Makes 1 cake.

Butter Frosting: Blend together 2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1/4 cup butter. Gradually add about 2 tablespoons cream. Stir until smooth. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon orange flavoring and a few drops each of yellow and red food coloring, if desired. Mix to blend well.