- The almond tree originated in Asia and it is thought that almonds were one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees.
- Because of traders moving on the Silk Road, almond trees, were established in the Middle East and Mediterranean areas.
- By 1,000 BC they were grown in Greece and later in Rome, where almonds were referred to as nut Graeca – Greek nut.
- By 716AD almond trees were growing in France
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- Did you know that almonds are not a true nut but the seed part of a stone fruit, a drupe, similar to apricots, peaches and plums?
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- Almond is Prunus amygdalus
- The English word almond comes from the old French almando.
- The Italian word is mandorle.
- The Polish is migdał(singular) migdały (plural).
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- Although this cake is simple, it is truly delicious.
Ingredients
- 125g butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 eggs – separated
- ½ teaspoon almond essence
- 75g ground almonds
- 40g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Handful of flaked almonds
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to GM4 -180°C.
- Use a cake liner to line a 20 cm diameter cake tin.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and almond essence and whisk till fluffy again.
- Mix the ground almonds, flour and baking powder together.
- Fold this mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Whisk the egg whites till they are stiff.
- Fold the egg whites into the cake mixture.
- Spoon the cake mixture into the lined cake tin.
- Smooth the top down.
- Sprinkle the flaked almonds on the top.
- Bake for 40 – 45 minutes.