Iced Almond Lemon Loaf Cake Food

LEMON CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans. You may also line the bottom with parchment paper, if desired.
• Cream the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, and the lemon zest.
• Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 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.
• Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. When the cakes are done, allow to cool for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans and set them on a rack set over a tray or sheet pan; spoon the lemon syrup over them. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
• For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and the lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour over the tops of the cakes and allow the glaze to drizzle down the sides.

GLAZED ALMOND, LEMON & BLUEBERRY LOAF

Steps:

• Finely chop all but 2 Tbsp. of the almonds. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, lemon peel and chopped almonds; set aside. Cream butter with 1-1/4 cups sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, scraping down bowl between additions. Beat flour mixture into butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in blueberries.
• Spoon batter into parchment-lined and greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake in a 325°F oven until golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minute.
• Meanwhile, stir together ¼ cup sugar and lemon juice; set aside. Pierce top of hot loaf several times with a toothpick. Pour sugar mixture over loaf in pan. Sprinkle with reserved sliced almonds. Cool 30 minute in pan. Remove from pan and cool completely.