3 c. sifted (see note) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. finely chopped, pared tart apples
1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. salad oil
2 eggs
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 c. chopped walnuts

Note: Sift before measuring.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream well and flour three 9 x 1 1/2 inch round layer cake pans. Sift flour with baking soda and salt. In small bowl, combine chopped apple, 1/2 cup chopped nuts and the lemon peel.

2. In large mixing bowl, combine sugar, salad oil and eggs; beat well with wooden spoon. Add sifted dry ingredients; mixing until smooth.

3. Add apple mixture; stir until well combined. Spread evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30-40 minutes; or until the surface springs back when pressed lightly with your finger tips.

4. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool thoroughly on wire racks.

5. Meanwhile, make Cream Cheese Frosting.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp. butter or reg. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lb. confectioners' sugar

A. In medium bowl with portable electric mixer at medium speed, beat cheese, butter and vanilla until light and creamy.

B. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until of spreading consistency. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

6. Fill and frost cake. Press remaining 1 cup nuts on side. Refrigerate until serving time. Makes 10-12 servings.