Italian Almond Cake
- 2 tablespoons matzoh meal, plus more for coating
- 2 cups whole blanched almonds
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Grease a 10-inch springform pan.
- Line the bottom with parchment or wax paper and grease the paper.
- Evenly coat the bottom and side with matzoh meal, tapping out any excess.
- In a food processor, pulse the almonds with 2 tablespoons of matzoh meal and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until very finely ground.
- In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar at high speed until very light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- At low speed, gradually add the ground almonds, vanilla and almond extracts and the lemon zest.
- In a medium bowl, using clean beaters, whip the egg whites with the salt until stiff peaks form.
- Beat one-fourth of the whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it, then quickly fold in the remaining whites.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Run a small, sharp knife around the side of the cake, transfer it to a rack and let cool completely in the pan.
- Remove the side of the pan and invert the cake onto a serving plate.
- Remove the base of the pan, then carefully peel off the paper.
- Sift confectioners' sugar over the cake before serving.
matzoh meal, whole blanched almonds, granulated sugar, eggs, light brown sugar, vanilla, almond extract, lemon zest, salt, confectioners
Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/italian-almond-cake (may not work)