Fresh Apple Date Cake

I've had this recipe for ages and it's a favorite of ours! Most of us have the ingredients on hand, so it's an easy dessert to throw together and I especially like the fact that the apples don't have to be peeled! It's also a good way to use up "slightly past their prime" apples that are a little wrinkled. It turns out very moist and delicious and also freezes well.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup vegetable shortening
• 2  cups sugar
• 2  eggs, well beaten
• 2  cups flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  cup  chopped pecans
• 1  cup  diced dates
• 4  cups  cored unpeeled apples, cut in 1/2 inch dice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Cream butter and sugar.
3. Add eggs and mix well.
4. Add remaining ingredients and stir until blended.
5. Pour batter into a well greased and floured 10 inch tube pan.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.