Homely

"Homely", OED : (variously) 'of or belonging to the home, domestic, family; familiar, simple, plain, unpretentious; comfortable, cosy; simply, without adornment'.
What could be more homely at this time of year than an apple cake? They've featured here before, but today's is a new one, the recipe given to me very kindly by Rebecca (from whom I also had the wonderful
Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cookies!). The recipe and the wherewithal to make it arrived almost simultaneously as my parents brought me apples from their very old, lichen-encrusted trees, and Rebecca passed on - in virtual form - her much used, dog-eared instructions for a family favourite.

This is the sort of cake which doesn't try to be fancy - no aspirations here, no ideas above its station. It is simple and wholesome and extremely good. I made it yesterday morning when the outside temperature was lower than it has been for months, rain was falling steadily and I was wearing socks for the first time since May. The kitchen was warm, though, and as the cake baked, fragrant with a sweet appley scent.

I think 'homely' is quite good enough for me. How about you?

Comments

[Ros]

I always find it strange that in America 'homely' has such negative connotations. I think that to describe something as homely is the best thing you can say. Looks like yummy cake, too.

[m]

I made applecake last night, from scrumped windfalls - but I think yours looks even better!

[Cheryl]

Furthering the point made by Ros, to say something is 'homely' in the US exaggerates the 'plain' definition, such as 'look at that homely girl!' In fact an American dictionary would say that it is 'of a person unattractive in appearance'. Shame, that.

Which puts me in mind of another word which I had to re-think when living in Ireland. When a friend called my daughter 'sallow'. What?!? To her she was saying that my daughter had a lovely golden tan. To me, however, it describes an unhealthy sickly yellow pallor. Interesting, eh?

Anyway, all of that to say that yes, your lovely apple cake is homely and heavenly and the perfect treat for days such as these!

[carol]

Looks delicious to me, homey or not. I hope Rebecca will share the recipe with us all.

[Rebecca]

So glad you had success with it and your description is perfect, it is indeed a homely cake, perhaps that is why it is so fitting at this time of year when we begin to crave more time at home.

[Carole]

How funny, I made an apple cake today, as we had visitors passing through on their way to the ferry at Cherbourg.
I used the yogurt cake recipe from the Chocolate and Zucchini blog, it is lovely with lightly cooked apple slices layered through it.
Having two apple trees means that I have a few recipes for apple cakes!
Yours looks fab too, I hope you can share the recipe!