Apple cake

Yield: 6 Servings

6 ea Apples; medium tart      2 ea Lemons; medium juiced
3 tb Sugar      3 tb Butter
3/4 c Sugar      2 ea Egg yolks; large divided *
1/2 ea Lemon;juiced and peel grated      1 ts Baking powder
1 1/2 c Flour; unbleached      3/4 c Milk
1 tb Rum      2 ea Egg whites; large
1 tb Butter; to grease cake pan      1 ts Vegetable oil
3 tb Confectioners' sugar

* Do not put the egg yolks together as they will be used individually. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++ ++++ Peel apples cut in half and core. Cut decorative lengthwise slits in apples about 1/2-inch deep. Sprinkle with lemon juice and sugar. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar together. One at a time beat in egg yolks. Gradually beat in lemon juice and grated peel. Sift baking powder and flour together. Gradually add to batter. Blend in milk and rum. In a small bowl beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into batter. Generously grease a springform pan. Pour in batter and top with apple halves. Brush apples with oil. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from pan and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.