I didn't read PJ's reply to Alice as a slap on Alice, either. Frankly, I appreciate the mention of the common apple brands. Although I'm starting to bake apple goodies like crazy while the season is in full swing, I'll appreciate the generic suggestion in the recipe in, say, March, when the lovely heirloom varietals are nothing but a distant memory. I'm delighted to support my local growers - I came home with bags full of cortlands, jonathans and honey crisps this morning, fresh from the farmers' market - but having knowledge of options is never a bad thing. Making this cake tonight, by the way. I'm really psyched to have found last year's mostly-empty bottle of boiled cider in the back of my refrigerator; otherwise, the recipe would have to go without, as I forgot to order more! I got Honey Crisps, organic local Galas, and Ginger Golds today... STILL waiting for my favorite, pommes grise, and Ashmead's Kernal... PJH

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