Thursday, August 29, 2019

When life throws you lemons... make Amalfi Lemon Cake!



i 💖 lemons... the fruit, the ade, the scent, everything!  So when in Amalfi last year, all the restaurants and bakeries have lemon desserts because of Amalfi growing such large and beautiful lemons.  Our favorite (yes... we went there every day while in Positano) was Collina.  Espresso and a cannoli... the best! 



This cake is DELICIOUS!  moist, simple, not overly sweet, and takes no time to make.  I hope you enjoy it as much as i.



INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/2 cup medium ground cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups whole blanched almonds (or you can buy raw and peeled)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large lemon
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cold whole milk
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • powdered sugar (reserved for the topping)
  1. Preheat the over to 325 degrees and spray a 9 inch springform pan with baking spray.  I also put a piece of parchment paper and lined the bottom of the pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt, and set aside.
  3. Place the almonds in the bowl of a food processor with a steel blade and pulse the almonds with the sugar, until the almonds are finely ground.
  4. Cut the ends off of the lemon, and then cut the rest of it into chunks (including the remaining peel), discarding any seeds.
  5. Add the lemon to the almond mixture and process until blended.
  6. Add the olive oil, milk, and eggs, and process for 1 minute.
  7. Add the cornmeal mixture and pulse until mixed, but DO NOT over mix.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool completely and then remove the cake from the pan and cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
  10. When completely cool, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
You can always dry lemons, which is how i topped the cake, or use pieces of rind for decoration.

 
It may look simple... but it's delicious!
Bon appetito!