Blue-Ribbon Apple Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup orange juice
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 medium baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Confectioners’ sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine eggs, oil, orange juice and vanilla; add to flour mixture and mix well. In a bowl, toss apples with cinnamon and remaining sugar. Spread a third of the batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan. Top with half the apples. Repeat layers. Carefully spread remaining batter over apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 65 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack; cool. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Yield: 16 servings.