Apple coffeecake

9 servings, 3 by 3 inches each

½ cup light brown sugar

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon, as desired

½ to ¾; cup sugar, as desired

¼ cup shortening

1 egg

½ cup milk

1½ cups unsifted flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups thinly sliced apples

Blend together the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, butter or margarine, and cinnamon.

In another bowl, combine sugar, shortening, and egg; beat thoroughly. Stir in milk.

Mix 1½ cups flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly; stir into egg mixture just until smooth.

Spread half the batter in a greased 9-inch square pan; cover with half the apples; top with half the brown sugar mixture. Repeat.

Bake at 375° F. (moderate oven) for 45 to 50 minutes or until cake is set.

NOTE: If preferred, put all the batter in the pan at once. Arrange apples on top of the batter and sprinkle with brown sugar mixture.