Spiced-Christmas Cake

Cake

• 3 Eggs
• 1 C. Sugar
• 1/3 C. Water
• 1 t. Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 C. All-Purpose Flour
• 1 t. Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Cardamon
• 1/2 Tsp Ginger
• 1/2 Tsp Mace

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil; grease with shortening
3. Beat eggs in a large bowl on high until thick
4. Gradually beat in the sugar; beat in water and vanilla on low speed
5. Gradually beat in flour, baking powder, spices and salt until smooth
6. Pour into pan and spread to all 4 corners
7. Bake about 12-15 minutes (until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
8. Generously sprinkle powdered sugar on a towel
9. Immediately loosen cake from pan and turn over onto towel
10. Carefully remove foil, trim crispy bits from short sides
11. While hot; roll cake and towel; let cool on wire rack for at least 30 minutes
12. When cool; unroll cake; remove towel
13. Spread apple filling, half of the frosting mixture over cake; roll up cake and trim off any crisp edges of cake
14. Frost rolled cake with remaining frosting
15. Press Almonds on top of cake

For filling:

    1 1/4 cups applesauce
    1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
    1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) unsalted butter
    1 cinnamon stick

1. Combine all ingredients in heavy medium saucepan. 
2. Cook over medium-low heat until thick and reduced to 1 cup, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
3. Transfer filling to small bowl and cool completely. Discard cinnamon stick. 

 Cake and filling can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover cake and let stand at room temperature. Cover filling with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

For frosting:

•   3 Cups Chilled Whipping Cream
•  1/4 Cup Golden Brown Sugar
•  3 Tbsps Molasses (mild, we only have fancy or blackstrap, I used fancy)
•  2 Tbsps Brandy    
• 1 1/2 Cups Sliced Almonds, Toasted

1. Beat chilled cream, sugar, 2 tablespoons molasses and brandy in large bowl until stiff peaks form.