Not sure if I have talked about this, but for the past few months, every month, i cook for a group of senior citizens at CCA (Christian Community in Action) here locally.  i truly enjoy it and little by little i am learning the individuals who make up the group of 60 or so.  BUT....I am forEVER meeting with new challenges each month.  One month, I found out the morning of that this was the day :(  I had to run to Sam's and figure out how to make a meal for 60 in 2 hours.  this past month, i had bought all my meat the day before and instructed the child {grrrrrr} to put them into the refrigerator outside.  they put it in the freezer.  YIKES!!  I found that out 2 hours ahead also.....I am stretched every time...{I won't elaborate on the primal scream that was heard through the neighborhood upon the revelation of the frozen chicken thighs}.....

I am always trying to find really cheap, REALLY great recipes to make for crowds....with what is in my pantry.  Did i say i liked challenges?  well, i had a birthday dinner to fix for my crew and lunch to have ready by 10 the next morning.  I was determined to NOT go to the store....AGAIN.....so, I started hunting for recipes and found this little gem.  the cake is 'ok' but the frosting.....OH, MY!!!!!....it is sooooo good!!!  I could have eaten the whole pan of cake with the frosting!  WOW...this was a find....again, the cake--I am sure you have a general spice cake recipe--and this one will certainly do, but , again...this frosting....it would be really good on just about ANYthing :) .  I am going to experiment on different things, but for now....OH!!!...it would be so good on a pumpkin cake right now :)  I have a recipe for one (that I can't find) and that is why, again, i was on the hunt for something else....so, here ya go....lemme know if you make it, like it or already have it.....the frosting not the cake :D

Applesauce Cake with Browned Butter Frosting

• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1-1/2 cups applesauce
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts--the walnuts and raisins--I left out since it was for older people who might not have strong enough teeth to chew them up.
• Browned Butter Frosting (see recipe below)

Grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan (I used a sheet pan to make it thinner and go further ). Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, cloves, and baking soda. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened. Add sugar; beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Alternately add flour mixture and applesauce, beating on low to medium speed after each addition just until combined. Stir in raisins and walnuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. (I just dumped everything in one bowl and mixed it up....it worked)

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Frost with Browned Butter Frosting. Makes 12 servings.

Browned Butter Frosting

In a small saucepan heat 1/2 cup margarine or butter over low heat until melted; continue heating until margarine or butter turns a delicate brown. Remove from heat; pour into large mixing bowl.

Add 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium to high speed, adding additional milk, if necessary, to make frosting of a spreading consistency.