Apple Nut Bread

I know it is the wrong time of the year for apples, but my boys love them so we try to have them on hand.  One apple this week was VERY bruised and I found this recipe to try to salvage the rest.  It was delicious.  I was happy that I could use just any apple and not necessarily a "cooking" apple.  I may have to find more bruised apples as the bread disappeared quickly! ☺

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tablespoons buttermilk (I didn't have buttermilk so substituted 1/8 tsp lemon juice and 2 tablespoons milk.  Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes before using)
1 cup grated, peeled apple
1 cup chopped nuts
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.  Fold in apple and nuts.

Pour into a greased 9-in x 5-in x 3-in loaf pan.  Combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over batter.  Bake at 350° for 60-65 on until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.