tennessee apple stack cake
1/4 tsp ground cloves
place dried apples in a saucepan; add water to cover. bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender. drain and mash apples. stir in brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ginger, cloves, and allspice; set aside.
beat shortening at medium speed of an electric mixer until light; gradually beat in the sugar. continue beating until light and fluffy. add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. stir in milk and molasses.
combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt and remaining 1 tsp ginger; gradually add to creamed mixture, beating until mixture forms a stiff dough. divide dough into 8 equal portions; cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.
pat each portion of dough into an 8-inch circle on greased baking sheets. bake at 350o for 10 minutes or until golden brown. carefully remove layers to wire racks; cool completely. stack layers, spreading equal portions of reserved apple mixture between layers. cover and chill for 8 hours. spread whipped cream or whipped topping over top of cake before serving.
whipped cream or whipped topping over top of cake before serving.