Walnut Cake
This cake is very popular in Greece, especially in the northern parts of the mainland (Yoanina, Zagorohoria etc.). It is made of a wonderful mixture of toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, flour and eggs, baked and drowned in a syrup of sugar, cognac and orange juice.
Caution: This cake is not for diet watchers. It is full of sugar and a nice piece of it during breakfast will keep you hyperactive for the rest of the day.
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Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
5 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
11/2 cups dry breadcrumbs
11/2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄4 cup cognac or brandy
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Syrup
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1⁄4 cup cognac or brandy
1⁄3 cup orange juice
Preparation time: 1½ hr
Difficulty level: Medium
Special equipment: Mixer
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Ingredients
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)
Butter and flour a 28 x 18 cm (13" x 9") baking pan.
Preheat a non-stick pan and toast the walnuts without oil for 5-7 mins stirring from time to time.
When ready combine them in a bowl with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, breadcrumbs, flour, and baking powder.
In a small glass, dilute the soda with the cognac.
Using the mixer beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and put aside.
Melt the butter (30 secs in the microwave).
Using the mixer with a dough hook, cream the butter with the sugar on high speed.
Reduce the speed and add the eggs yolks.
Mix in the soda with the cognac, add the milk and the walnut mixture, beating until well combined.
Fold in the beaten egg whites gradually 1/4 of the amount each time.
Spread into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the cake is ready (test it with a toothpick, it should come out dry).
Cool the cake completely before pouring on the syrup.
Prepare the syrup:
Mix all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan.
Bring it to a boil and let boil for 5-7 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and pour the syrup gradually over cooled cake.
Let the cake cool completely before serving.
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Tips:
You can garnish the cake with sweet whipped cream or chopped or halved walnuts.
Prepare some extra syrup and put 1-2 tsps. on each piece just before serving.
This cake tastes much better on the next day.