Almond Cake

• 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.