Golden Agave Pound Cake Food

PLAIN POUND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Cream the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, beat in the eggs, 1 at a time.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.
• When the cakes are done, let them cool for 10 minutes. Take them out of the pans, place them on a baking rack and allow them to cool completely. Wrap well, and store in the refrigerator.

GOLDEN POUND CAKE

Steps:

• In a stand mixer, fitted with the batter blade, cream the butter and the sugar for 8 minutes on medium speed, scraping down the sides often with a rubber spatula. Lower the speed to medium- low and add the eggs, 1 at a time, combining well after each addition. Add the vanilla and the orange and lemon zest.
• Add half of the flour, with the mixer off, then turn the mixer on low speed to combine. Add the buttermilk and cream and when well combined add the remaining flour. Continue to mix for an additional 3 minutes on medium-low speed.
• Butter and flour a tube pan. Pour the batter into the pan, tapping the pan on the counter a few times to eliminate air bubbles and put in a cold oven. Set the oven to 325 degrees F and after 45 minutes, carefully rotate the cake and continue to bake another 30 to 40 minutes. Check by inserting a wooden skewer into the center and when it comes out dry, remove the pan from the oven. The cake will fall a bit, but let it rest for 30 minutes. Run a sharp, thin knife around the edges of the pan and let rest for 10 minutes more.
• Invert the cake onto a parchment lined cooling rack.
• Cook's Note: Put a piece of parchment paper on top of the cake and pan, then flip gently over and allow to cool to room temperature.
• Dust with the confectioners' sugar, then slice and serve with Cranberry Citrus Glaze.
• In a small saucepan, over medium heat, add the cranberries and water. Cook until the cranberries start to pop, about 3 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Puree with stick blender and strain into a serving bowl. Serve or refrigerate until ready to use.
• Cook's Note: This glaze can be made ahead.

GOLDEN AGAVE POUND CAKE

Steps:

• Bring butter and eggs to room temperature. In large mixer bowl, beat butter on medium speed of electric mixer about 1 minute. Gradually add agave, then sugar beat 5 to 7 minutes after all agave and sugar are added. Add vanilla and lemon peel mix well. Add eggs one at a time beat after each addition. Scrape bowl frequently. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda mix well. Add flour mixture to egg mixture beat on low speed only until ingredients are blended gently stir in cherries and pecans. Pour batter into three 6 x 3-1/4 x 2-1/2 inch (or one 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan) greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 325°F for 40 to 50 minutes (60 minutes for one pan) or until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes clean. Cool 15 minutes in pan. Remove from pan cool completely on wire rack.