Between the Lines

I’ve finally decided to stick with just one of my recipe apps — after quite a long search to find the one that truly fits me. There are countless options out there, but none does exactly what one wants. Compromise is the key, unless one decides to create their own app — which, thanks to AI, is no longer such a far-fetched idea.

Anyway, I’ve now moved all my recipes from Pepperplate and Mela into my chosen app — one that still lets me download recipes directly from the web, track what’s in my pantry, note what I need, and even plan meals on a cooking calendar.

Once that was done, I decided to make it more personal. We all know that most recipes need a few tweaks to match our own tastes. And since I like photographing my meals — though I resist posting them on Instagram (there are enough plates of pasta there already) — I now add my own photo whenever I modify a recipe. It feels like closing the circle between cooking, creating, and documenting.

So, I’ve set myself a challenge.

Over the past year, I’ve gathered around two hundred recipes — everything from quick weekday meals to more elaborate dishes for special occasions: Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a cheerful dinner with friends. Appetizers for impromptu aperitifs. And of course, many pasta dishes — because pasta is a lifesaver.

This is the very first one.

Classic Italian Apple Cake

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (about 1 packet) baking powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 7 tablespoons (1 stick minus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup whole milk
• 4 apples (preferably tart ones like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and flour a 9½-inch (24 cm) springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and the grated lemon zest.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then add them to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold until smooth and combined.
5. Peel and dice the apples into small cubes, then fold them evenly into the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before removing from the pan.
9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

🕰️ Serves 8–10

💡 Tip: This cake tastes even better the next day, when the apple flavor deepens and the texture becomes moist and tender.