Sicilian Orange Almond Cake

All Sicilians love desserts and cakes. Citrus fruits and almonds are widely grown and of course largely consumed in Sicily, which is an island in the Mediterranean region. I actually ate up a large chunk of this cake the first time I made it. So if you are the one who loves hot freshly baked cakes, you will love this delicious tea-time cake flavoured with orange and almonds. The use of orange squash gives a concentrated orange flavour to the cake. It is not totally essential but very helpful if you use it.

Preparation Time: 15 mins.
Cooking Time: 40 mins.
Serves 4. 

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups plain flour (maida)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp levelled, baking powder
1/2 cup powdered almonds
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup curds (dahi), beaten
1/3 cup orange juice
2 tsp orange squash
1 tsp vanilla essence
butter for greasing

For the garnish 

1/2 cup whipped cream
a few orange segments
1 tbsp roasted almonds

Method

1. Sieve the flour, soda bi-carb and baking powder together.
2. Combine the flour mixture, powdered almonds and sugar in a bowl and mix well.
3. Mix together the butter, curds, orange juice, orange squash and vanilla essence.
4. Add this to the flour mixture and mix well.
5. Pour this batter into a greased 125 mm. (5") diameter cake tin. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the cake comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely and unmould.
7. Garnish with the whipped cream, orange segments and toasted almonds. Cut into wedges and serve.

Recipe Source: Sicilian Orange Almond Cake by Tarla Dalal