Old english spice cake with currant hard sauc

1 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupUnsalted butter (225g)
2cupsSugar (400g)
4largesEggs
¾cupMilk (180ml)
3cupsUnbleached white flour (300g)
¼cupHot water (60ml)
2teaspoonsBaking powder
½teaspoonThreads
½teaspoonVanilla extract
2teaspoonsCaraway seeds
gramZest of one lemon AND one orange
½teaspoonEACH of ground cinnamon, cloves, mace and nutmeg
½cupUnsalted butter (1 15g)
¼poundsCream cheese (60g)
¾cupConfectioners' sugar (75g)
2tablespoonsLemon juice
½teaspoonSaffron threads
1teaspoonVanilla extract
¼cupYellow raisins (45g)
¼cupCurrants (45g)

Directions

CAKE

CURRANT HARD SAUCE

Here I adapted an 18th century English spice cake recipe which also makes nice cupcakes.

Powder saffron, work into butter. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and caraway. Sift together dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to batter alternately with milk. Mix in zest. Pour into greased, floured sheet cake or cupcake pan.

Preheat oven and bake at 350F (175C) for about 1¼ hrs. Check after 1 hour. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then on rack. Serve with dollop of Currant Hard Sauce.

CURRANT HARD SAUCE:

Powder saffron, work into chilled cream cheese. Cream together butter and cheese. Beat until light and fluffy. Mix in remaining ingredients and chill. Serve at room temperature.

From "Wild About Saffron++A Contemporary Guide to an Ancient Spice", by Ellen Szita. Published by Saffron Rose, 28 John Glenn Circle, Daly City, Ca., 94105. 1987.

Posted by Stephen Ceideberg; March 30 1993.