Mondlukaka – Icelandic Almond Cake Dessert |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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Most Icelanders have an enormous “sweet tooth” and an Icelandic afternoon tradition called “Kaffi og Kaka” (coffee and cake) is 1 way they indulge their craving. At first I expected something simple, but I quickly realized K&K is the Icelandic version of an American tradition ... “pig out till you seriously hurt yourself!” For some, it’s daily and casual. For others, it’s less frequent ... but a very formal, put out your best china, fill a table w/all manner of taste sensations and eat for 2 hrs while pouring coffee so strong it would make you gasp w/terror. A favorite treat for such occasions is Iceland Almond Cake. Again my source is my “Classic Scandanavian Cooking” cookbook by Nika Hazelton. Part of the intro says “This cake is good & easy, & it will keep well if wrapped in aluminum foil – without the filling & topping, of course.” Ingredients:
1 cup butter |
1 cup sugar |
4 eggs (separated) |
1 teaspoon vanilla |
1 cup almonds (blanched and finely ground) |
1 cup flour (sifted) |
1/2 teaspoon baking powder |
1/2 cup strawberry jam |
1 cup heavy cream (whipped and sweetened to taste) |
Directions:
1. Set oven temp at 350°F. 2. Cream butter and gradually add sugar. Beat in egg yolks (1 at a time), beating well after ea addition. Stir in vanilla and almonds. 3. Sift together the flour & baking powder and gradually add to batter. Beat egg whites till stiff (but not dry); fold into batter. 4. Bake in three 8-inch buttered & floured layer pans for about 30 minutes or till golden brown. Cool at least 5 minutes before removing from pans. 5. Spread strawberry jam between cooled layers and cover top and sides with swirls of whipped cream. Serve immediately and watch as it disappears. |
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