CLOVE APPLE CAKE

• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 eggs
• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1-1/2 cups chopped peeled tart apples
• CUSTARD SAUCE:
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional ground cloves, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and cloves. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in apples. Transfer to a greased and floured 9-in. round baking pan. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine sugar, flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium-heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount into egg; return all to pan. bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; whisk in butter and vanilla. Serve over warm cake. Sprinkle with ground cloves if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings.