Plum Cake

1 stick(4 oz, 125 g) margarine or butter
2/3 c sugar(brown or white) 
2-3 eggs 
1/2 tsp flavoring(vanilla, lemon, cinnamon , etc.) 
dash salt 
1 1/2 c flour 
2 tsp baking powder 
1- tbsp milk, orange juice or yogurt) 
fruit( about 1 1/2 lb of plums, apples, cherries, apricots etc. 

Cream margarine with sugar. Add eggs and beat until smooth.   
Add flavoring, flour and baking powder, 
and liquid( the amount depends on 
how wet the fruit is and whether you use 2 or 3 eggs). 
Prepare a 9 inch springform pan by lining with waxed or 
parchment paper or by greasing   and flouring it.   
Spread the rather thick dough over the bottom.   
Place fruit over it, e.g. halves of plums, apple quarters or slices.   
You can add some chopped nuts. 

Back at 350oF for 40-50 min.   
The dough will rise around and even over the fruit.   
Remove from oven and decorate with powdered sugar.   
Best served warm or within one day. 

Zena's Chocolate Honey Cake

Mix   1 tsp baking soda
1/2 c strong coffee 
let stand 
Mix with electric beater   
4 eggs 
1 c sugar 
until light and lemon colored; 
add 1/2 c oil 
1 c liquid honey 
beat until light. 

Mix 2 2/3 c flour 
1/3 c cocoa powder (unsweetened)   
3 tsp baking powder 
1 tsp cinnamon 
tsp ginger 
1 tsp grated nutmeg 

Add to egg/honey mixture ,
 along with the coffee mixture. 
Stir in 1 peeled apple grated 1 whole lemon, 
pits removed, grated 
add if desired 3/4c chopped nuts(walnuts) 
and/or 3/4 c raisins or currants. 

Place in a greased and parchment lined 10 inch tube pan or 9x13 pan. 
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 min and then at 300 degrees for 60 min 
or until a toothpick comes out clean. Turn over on a rack until cool.   
Dust with powdered sugar.