Apple Delight Cake

1/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored)
1/2 cup nuts (coarsely chopped)
1 cup sifted flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons hot water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8 x 8 inch pan.
In a large mixing bowl cream the shortening and sugar, add egg and beat well, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla, chopped apples and nuts. Sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Slowly add to the creamed mixture scraping the bowl often. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water, add to batter, mix well. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool and enjoy!