Fresh Apple Cake

This cake has a chunky apple center and a wonderful nutty "crust".

Ingredients:
Butter for pan
1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped medium-fine
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp. vanilla
the grated zest of one large lime
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
2 medium-large tart apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped

~ Preheat oven to 350 F.
Generously butter a 9-inch round cake pan, sprinkle all over with nuts, then tilt pan in all directions to coat the bottom and sides with the nuts.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, butter, vanilla, lime zest, and sugar until smooth. Add flour, baking soda, and salt and thoroughly blend. Fold in apples.
Carefully spread the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack, then turn out onto rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 8