Tuesday, April 13, 2010

TWD: Swedish visiting cake


I've been wanting to make this cake since I first bought the book, which was way back in 2006. It just seemed so simple, I love anything with almonds, and the fact that it was made in a cast-iron frying pan was a bonus. I never got around to it, though, until now. Good thing the TWD gang hadn't made it before I got around to joining in January of this year! I find lots of Dorie's recipes have too many add-ins, so I was excited about this one, with only vanilla, almond extract and lemon zest for flavouring. In fact, I was tempted to add cardamom or fresh figs, or both to this cake, but I followed the recipe this time. I made half of it in a 6" pan, and will definitely make a full recipe next time, because it's really good. This recipe was chosen by Nancy of The Dogs Eat the Crumbs, so she'll have the recipe posted. Thanks for the great pick, Nancy! Also check out the new TWD 'leave your link' (LYL) feature for links to what the rest of the gang have baked up this week.

45 comments:

Nancy/n.o.e said...

I felt exactly the same way about this cake - looked forward to making it since I first saw the book. Love the way your mini turned out - just look at that sparkling sugar!

Nancy/n.o.e said...

Ooops, forgot to say: thanks for baking with me this week!!

Valerie Gamine said...

Your slices looks so thick and healthy! I could hardly wait for this one either. Great things come to those who wait. :D

Cherine said...

I love this cake!! It looks so good!

Paula said...

Cardamom sounds wonderful. I think I will try that myself. Meanwhile, your cake looks very enticing.

chocolatechic said...

For some reason I just wanted to add cinnamon to this, but I didn't.

Bella Baker said...

looks delicious! This was a huge hit with my whole family!

Pamela said...

Looks wonderful! It is a keeper, for sure.

Jacque said...

Oh boy, yours looks like it belongs in the book. Perfecto!

Cindy said...

Beautiful photo, delicious treat!

Beth said...

Great picture!!! I loved this cake, too.

slush said...

So cute! And yes, still friends, although I do hope the Pens mop then Sens up. ;)

Anonymous said...

Your sparkly sugar and bright almonds look lovely! Good thing I still have one slice of this cake left....

CB said...

Gorgeous picture! Love the big sugar crystals. What kind of sugar did you use? My granulated sugar pales in comparison. Great job!
-CB
http://iheartfood4thought.com

Jeannette said...

You tiny slice of cake is so adorable. I am jealous of your natural light ;)

steph- whisk/spoon said...

wat a cutie! i also made a little one...and i agree that next time will be full-sized!

Hindy said...

Your cake rose really well. It looks so light!

Marthe said...

This looks soooo good, I love the color of your cake!! It looks much taller than mine: lovely!

judy said...

Another tasty treat Mary! Now, if only some Swedes would visit!

judy

vibi said...

Isn't it though... the kind of recipe one feels like adding to? In the end, I guess the wise ones will be enjoying it the best, as simple as it is... no frills, no sparkles... simple goodness.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mary... for the simplest pleasures... often are the best.

Charli said...

I relished the simplicity of this one too. Yours looks fabulous--I love looking at the sugar crystals on top!

Flourchild said...

It looks wonderful. Im glad you enjoyed this recipe. I did too and my family loved scarfing it down!

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said...

Glad you didn't fall into tempation of adding a bunch in. :) It was delicious!

Leslie said...

Your little cake is so cute! I love the crunchy sugar you sprinkled on top!

Baking Addict said...

Your cake looks delicious as always. Sometimes you just can't beat simplicity :)

April said...

Such a pretty pic & a great cake!

Susan said...

Beautiful photo! I also love all things almond and this cake did not disappoint!

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

Looks great. It is a great cake. I was excited to make it in the cast iron pan. I love to use that in the oven.

Ms. Meanie said...

Looks like a lovely cake. I love almond desserts.

Erin said...

What pretty little cake slices! I was very (pleasantly) surprised by the amount of flavor in this unassuming cake. Yum!

Anonymous said...

It looks wonderful! I think Dorie's simple recipes are some of her best.

Viki Kane said...

Yours looks amazing! Nice job! Mine didn't rise nearly as well as yours, maybe because I used cake flour thinking that would give it a nice tender crumb. Should have stuck with the original, as I think it would have been perfect without any tinkering!

Tia said...

i want that sugar you used on top!

Ellie said...

Cardamom is such a great idea, I'll bet that nutmeg would go really well too. I will have to try that.

Lisa said...

I ALMOST did the sparkling sugar! It looks great! Definitely make the full 9 inch next time - it'll go just as fast!

natalia said...

Ciao Mary ! What a wonderful slice !!

Lori said...

That looks delicious. You did a great job.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can't believe you had to wait for 4 years to try this recipe out! But GREAT things come to those who wait! Your cake looks wonderful! =)

TeaLady said...

This was on my list, too, when it was time to choose. Lookded deceptively delicious. And it was. Yours looks just right.

Valérie said...

Cake in a frying pan? Sounds like my kind of cake! It looks superb!

Cathy said...

Beautiful cake! Glad you enjoyed it - we loved this one too.

Liz said...

Yum, cardamom and/or figs both sound awesome! But I agree, this cake didn't need much of anything. Yours looks delish!

Nickki said...

Loved this cake! I think cardamom would be a lovely addition :-)

Laurie {Simply Scratch} said...

You always post interesting recipes!! This looks amazing :)

mike said...

Lovely and light - and so sparkly, that's the best part! So glad you like it - I loved it... and will be making more!