1st Prize Applesauce Cake & Spice Sauce

submitted by DeAnn Thatcher

CAKE:
Combine in large bowl:
4 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 Tbs baking cocoa

Combine in medium bowl:
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar

Heat in saucepan:
3 cups unsweetened applesauce

Stir together ingredients in large bowl. Stir together ingredients in medium bowl. Heat applesauce to very warm, stirring often. Remove from heat and pour into oil and sugar mixture, stirring until well blended and sugar has dissolved. Pour sugar mixture into flour mixture, blend until all dry ingredients have been absorbed. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

SPICE SAUCE:
Combine:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 Tbs cornstarch

Saucepan:
2 cups boiling water

Add last:
1/3 cup butter
2 tsp vanilla

Stir together dry ingredients, pour into boiling water and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla, until well blended. Serve on warm or cooled applesauce cake.