Apple Walnut Upside-Down Cake

Directions

1. 1
   In a 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan, melt butter.
2. 2
   Add a half cup brown sugar and blend.
3. 3
   Peel and core apples.
4. 4
   From each apple, slice 3 medium thick rings (9 total).
5. 5
   Chop the remaining apples and reserve about a cup.
6. 6
   Place the apple rings on top of the brown sugar.
7. 7
   Put a cherry in the center of each.
8. 8
   Cream the shortening and sugar.
9. 9
   Add the egg, beat well.
10. 10
    Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
11. 11
    Combine the molasses and water, add alternately with the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
12. 12
    Fold in the reserved chopped apple and black walnuts. Bake in a preheated moderate oven at 350° for 40 minutes or until well done.
13. 13
    Let stand on cake rack for 5 minutes.
14. 14
    Invert over serving plate and remove pan.
15. 15
    Serve with whipped cream, if desired.