Turkey—Honey Almond Cake

Turkish Dessert

Honey Almond Cake
(Serves 8)

A heavenly concoction— sweet with undertones of coffee, cinnamon and almonds. Brushed with an apricot glaze.

1 C brown sugar
3 T sugar
2 eggs
1 C honey
1 T instant coffee
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
2 C self-rising flour
3 tsp. baking powder
4 oz. almonds (flaked or slivered)
2 T apricot jam (warm)

Preheat oven to 350. Using electric mixer, beat brown and white sugars with eggs till thick and creamy. Add honey and coffee, continuing to mix (on slow) till blended. Combine flour and baking powder, then add to the sugar/egg mix. Add spices and almonds, mixing well.Pour batter into greased 9 x 9 pan and cook 35-40 minutes, till center is springy when pressed with a finger. Allow to cool, then brush top with warmed apricot jam.

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Tips & Glossary

You may not have all the ingredients used in Turkish cooking on your spice shelf, but you'll find them at Middle-East food stores. To avoid frustration, make a list of items you need before trying out the recipes.

Cumin: an aromatic, kin to parsley and carrots; an important ingredient in chili powder. Used especially in Indian curries, as well as in Mid-Eastern, Mexican, and Asian dishes. It has an earthy, peppery flavor.

Filo: aka phyllo, paper-thin sheets of raw, unleavened flour dough. Buy frozen in any grocery store and follow directions on package for thawing. When working with one sheet, keep others covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Peeled Tomatoes: choose 1 of 2 methods: 1) hold tomatoes one-at-a-time over gas flame till skin bubbles and becomes charred; 2) drop all tomatoes into pot of boiling water for 45 seconds. After either method, run tomatoes under running water; skins will slip off easily.

Roasted peppers: buy them prepared. Or make your own: place peppers under a broiler, or hold over a gas flame, till skin chars and blisters. Place them in a closed paper bag for 15-20 minutes (to steam them). When cool enough to handle, the skins slip off under running water.

Rosewater: distilled from rose petals and used to flavor Mid-Eastern and Asian cooking. You can make your own—but why? Purchase it at Mid-East or Asian or food stores.

Saffron: the most expensive spice in the world, from the crocus plant, and cultivated in Iran and Spain. Along with its unusual taste, it adds a deep rich yellow color to food. Use a strand or two at a time and soak in warm water before using.

Skewers: use metal or wooden skewers for kabobs. If wooden, be sure to soak them for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from catching on fire.