Molasses Apple Cake With Fluffy Topping - cooking recipe

Ingredients

CAKE
1 1/2 cups apples, slices (choose a good baking apple)
3/4 cup molasses
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup hot water
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon clove
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
TOPPING
1/4 cup molasses
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon clove
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch salt

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Simmer the apples in the molasses until tender and cool.
Melt the shortening in the hot water.
Sift all the dry ingredients together and slowly add water mixture, stirring constantly to keep smooth. Stir in the molasses and apples.
Pour into a greased 9x9 pan and bake for 1/2 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
NOTE: The original recipe did not specify a pan size. This was just a guess as the serving size (which was mentioned) is 8-12.
TOPPING: Whip the cream. Add the dry ingredients and fold in the molasses. Spread on top of cake and sprinkle with nuts if desired.