Cherry and Almond Cake
In the spring when I need a dessert for guests, I look to what is in season and here in Oregon, after five straight months of rain, there’s not much in season. A few apples still holding on, some citrus coming up from California, and rhubarb. So, I look for ingredients on the shelves of my pantry. The dried cherries and almonds I found were the perfect inspiration for this modest cake.
3/4 cup whole almonds
1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 c sugar
1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/3 c milk
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/2 c chopped, dried cherries
1/2 c sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Toast your whole almonds on a cookie sheet for 8 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool completely. Lightly toast your sliced almonds for 4 minutes.
Butter and flour a 9-inch cake pan. Or if you’re like me and don’t own a cake pan, flour and butter a deep pie plate.
Put your whole almonds in a food processor and pulse the machine until the nuts are finely ground. Transfer the nuts to a medium bowl. Add your flour, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine and then, set aside.
In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar just until combined. Mix in the butter, milk and almond extract. Stir to combine. Slowly add in your dry ingredients until incorporated. With a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the cherries. Pour the batter into your prepared cake (or pie) pan. Evenly sprinkle the 1/2 c of sliced almonds over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
Loosen the edges with a knife. Flip the cake onto a cake stand. Take a few steps back to admire your heavenly creation. Then, slice and serve while still a bit warm. Enjoy.
YIELD: One 9-inch cake
That clock is AWESOME! I can't wait to see it hanging. Great reminder about the cowboy caviar as I am planning what app. to bring to a Superbowl party!
Hope today is the day that is quiet and worry-free!
Oh how I can totally relate to this post. 🙂 Carrie, your photography is stunning…. I'm bookmarking this delicious cake and the chocolate chip cookies (my man's absolute fave thing on earth, so I'm anxious to try this recipe). Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks, Sis. The clock is hung and ticking although the 5-year old is questioning its time keeping ability since he can't see the hands moving.
Kim – Thank you so much, darlin'. Those chocolate chip cookies are seriously amazing but make sure you leave enough time for the cookie dough to rest…at least 48 hours. You don't have to but it makes all the difference.
That cake may be simple, but it still sounds fantastically delicious. Sometimes the simple things in life are best. I have a sweet treat linky party going on at my blog right now called "Sweets for a Saturday" and I'd like to invite you to stop by this weekend and link your cake up. http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/2011/02/sweets-for-saturday-3.html
hhhh, un jour de repos. Toutes les mères méritent un jour de repos. Je vous aime
Ditto…
If you figure out how to achieve the lovely bliss of which you speak, would you be so kind as to whisper the secret into my ear?
Have a lovely weekend my dear!
Ooo..Lisa, sounds like a fabulous link-up. I'll stop by for sure!
Pops….un week-end de repos! Je t'aime aussi.
Wenderly…absolutely. If I figure it out, you'll be the first to know. 🙂
Oh, whew! I thought I was the only one who liked being alone with her whole family there…
I can't wait to try this recipe, can relate to your story, and I love chickens. Good thing I'm trying to friend steal you. Sorry Mara.
You put into words what I think so many mom's think. Having all the hooligans home and still wanting to check out for a bit. It is really the only time a mom can completely unclench…until the boys remember the wrestling mat in their room…sigh.
Oh, Sara….with Mara and I, there's always room for plenty of new, fabulous friends!
Kimber….a wrestling mat in their room?? What a great idea. My boys could use that. Although then I'd have to worry that the older one is crushing the younger one. "Sigh" Our lives are never worry-free, are they?
ok, I just made this cake. YUM! My favorite so far!