Italian Plum And Almond Cake Food

ITALIAN ALMOND CAKE - GIADA DE LAURENTIIS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter and lightly flour an 8-inch round cake pan (or use vegetable spray).
• In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, cake flour, and baking flour, whisking well to mix; set aside.
• In an electric mixer and using a paddle beater, beat together the softened butter and almond paste on high speed until very smooth, about 5 minutes.
• Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing until well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Increase the speed to high, then add the vanilla, whole eggs, and the egg yolks one at a time; mix until incorporated well.
• Reduce the speed to medium then add the sour cream and the cornmeal mixture, and mix until just blended (don't overmix- only mix for a couple of minutes, tops).
• Pour the cake batter into the greased pan and smooth the top with the back of a large spoon or a spatula.
• Bake at 350 degrees F in the lower third of the oven for 35 minutes, or until the color of the cake is golden and the batter pulls away from the side of the pan.
• Remove from oven, place pan on wire rack, and let cool.
• Turn the cake out from the pan, place on serving platter or dish, and dust with confectioners' sugar.
• Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

PLUM AND POLENTA CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease and lightly flour an 8 x 2-inch round cake pan or an 8-inch springform pan, tapping out any excess flour. Set aside.
• 2. In a small bowl, toss the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer, until pale yellow and creamy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the whole eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and blend until just combined.
• 4. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Place the plum halves, skin side down, at even intervals on top of the batter. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top of the fruit and batter. Bake until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

ITALIAN PLUM AND ALMOND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a nine-inch springform cake pan.
• Toss the plums into a bowl with the Amaretto cookie crumbs and one-fourth cup of the sugar and set aside.
• Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Cream the butter and remaining sugar until very light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the ground almonds and almond extract until just incorporated into the batter. Fold in the flour mixture. Spread the batter in the pan.
• Arrange the plums on top of the batter. Bake 40 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature before removing the cake from the pan.
• If desired, whipped cream or ice cream can be served on the side.

RICOTTA ALMOND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Use baking spray or lightly grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
• Use an electric hand mixer to beat together the ricotta cheese, egg yolks, extract, and sugar until smooth.
• Stir in the lemon zest and almond meal.
• In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Fold half the egg whites into the almond mixture, then fold in the rest.
• Spread the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the sliced almonds.
• Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
• Cool the cake for 10 minutes then remove the sides.
• Cool completely, then lightly dust the top with powdered sugar and serve.