Now that we know that cocoa is actually good for us, an "apple a day keeps the doctor away", oatmeal reduces cholesterol and walnuts are chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids...what's not to love about this cake?!!

Cocoa Oat-Apple Cake

Cake:

1 1/3 cups boiling water
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped, peeled apple
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Vanilla Drizzle:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon butter, softened

1 to 2 tablespoons hot water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Pour boiling water over oats in medium bowl; let stand 15 minutes.
2. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
3. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and eggs in large bowl until fluffy; stir in oat mixture.
4. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon; add to butter mixture, mixing well. Stir in apple and pecans.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan.
6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.
7. For Vanilla Drizzle: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, hot water and vanilla; beat with spoon or whisk until smooth and of desired consistency. Drizzle decoratively over top of cake.

Makes 12 servings.