Choc. Applesauce Cake

[DaizyMae]

Chocolate Applesauce Cake presented by The Grey Whale Inn
Blue Ribbon Winner, 1983 Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift together:
3 cups flour
3 Tbs cocoa
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon

Cream:
3/4 cups shortening (I prefer butter flavored Crisco)
2 cups sugar

Mix:
2-1/4 tsp baking soda with 22-24 oz. applesauce until soda is dissolved.

Combine above ingredients and mix thoroughly with electric mixer.

Beat in:
3 large eggs

Pour into greased & floured 12-cup tube pan.

Sprinkle with:
2 Tbs granulated sugar combined with 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (Best done with food processor). Pat lightly with back of spoon.

Bake for 60-65 minutes, or til cake test done. Let rest in pan for 20 minutes before turning out onto rack. Cover and refrigerate when cool. Slice when it is cold. Bring to room temperature before serving. 20 servings.

Some personal notes. This cake freezes well, so I make two cakes at once. Canned applesauce comes in various sizes, but I use 43-46 oz. size, dependent upon what is available.