Still in training and Apple Cider Pudding Cake

So far, so good:

Boston training so far:  easy runs 4 days per week, speed work 2 days per week, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I feel like such a wimp on Fridays but by that time, mind and body feel pretty wimpy.

This week was tough because I found out the cold weather is moving in for the weekend. I ran 7 miles on Wednesday and toyed with the idea of getting the 20 miler in on Thursday. It didn’t happen. I hit the 9 mile point during Thursdays run and knew 11 more just wasn’t going to happen. Plus I was running MP on the treadmill for 6 of those miles which might have been the reason for my fizzling out. I must confess, one other reason (maybe even the main reason) is that my only running fuel was 3/4 scoop of Hammer’s Sustained Energy drink.  I forgot to defrost a 26.2 mini loaf.

PLUS, I should have taken a gel at about 6 miles. Shame on me.

I’m trying to get my mind wrapped around 20 miles for Saturday. If it’s too cold, I’m on the treadmill dreadmill for most of those miles.

My goal is to get one or two weeks of at least 70 total running miles. If my hamstring holds up, that will happen. If it gets worse, I’ll cut back. Since I started doing some of the PT exercises this week, the aches and pings have been reduced.  

Do you have any events coming up?  How’s the training going?

Apple Cider Pudding Cake

I wasn’t going to post this recipe.  The cake resulted in more of a bread pudding texture and, even though I enjoyed it, I wasn’t too sure anyone else would. WRONG!  I left the apple cider cake on the counter after taking photos.  When I came back into the kitchen, Ted proclaimed “I had some of that apple – thing.  It’s REALLY GOOD!”  I told him it was suppose to be a cake and both of us agreed it was more of a cross between a cake and pudding, much like a set custard.

Initially, I thought maybe a little longer in the oven but it was set and I didn’t want the result to be a dried up or cracked cake.  The chance I took by not cooking it longer resulted in a “no crumbs left behind” winner!

I’ve posted my recipe and an alternative recipe I was going to try at a later date, simply called Cider Cake.   Take your pick but be sure to let me know the results if you make either one.

Joanne’s Apple Cider Pudding Cake – Makes 16 squares in one 9 x13 pan *Best eaten within 2 days. Keep in the fridge and reheat slightly before serving.

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 12 oz apple cider – reserve 2 TBS for glaze(optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 6 1/2  oz brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup confectioners sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non stick baking spray.

Prepare the apples then pour all but 2 TBS of the apple cider over the apples and set aside.  Keep the 2 TBS of cider for making a glaze if you want to glaze the finished pudding cake.

Cream the cheese with the cinnamon and sugar.

Add the eggs.

Stir in the flour and baking powder and finally, stir in the apples and cider. 

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 50- 55 minutes. The top may only get a light brown.

If you like, serve hot with ice cream OR…wait until the cake cools and mix the glaze by stirring the 2 TBS apple cider into the 1 cup of confectioners sugar (or more if you want  a thicker glaze).

Drizzle glaze over the top and enjoy.

Alternative recipe:  Cider Cake

• 8 oz Mixed dried fruit soaked in 4 TBS apple cider over night
• 6 oz butter, softened
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• 6 oz brown sugar
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 8 “ square pan.

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. 

Beat the eggs then add the dried fruit and cider to the eggs. 

Stir in the sugar and butter mix with the fruit and eggs.

Blend the flour, spice and baking powder then stir just until incorporated into the sugar – butter mix. 

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 55- 65 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

Share a recipe you’ve made that you were unsure if anyone would like but turned out to be a success.