1 1/4 c. pecans, finely chopped, divided
6 med. size apples, peeled, cored & chopped
4 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
3 c. flour
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. orange rind, freshly grated
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. canola oil
1/2 c. plus 1/4 c. lowfat buttermilk
4 eggs
1 tbsp. vanilla

1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Butter a 10 inch tube pan. Sprinkle 1 cup pecans onto sides and bottom of buttered pan. Set remaining 1/4 cup pecans aside. In medium-sized bowl, combine apples, 4 teaspoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; set aside. Mix flour, 1 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, orange rind and baking soda. In large bowl, beat oil, 1/2 cup buttermilk, eggs and vanilla until well mixed. Beat in flour mixture and 1/4 cup buttermilk and blend until smooth. Pour 1/2 the batter into pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 the apple mixture. Top with remaining batter and sprinkle remaining apple mixture. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon with reserved pecans. Sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until golden brown. Cool 10 to 15 minutes and remove from pan.