Plain Cake

A plain cake, often celebrated for its simplicity and versatility, is a classic treat that has stood the test of time. This recipe for a plain cake combines the heartiness of meal with the sweetness of sultanas, the richness of almonds, and the warmth of cinnamon. Whether you’re baking it as a comforting dessert or a delightful snack, a plain cake offers a comforting taste of tradition. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a wholesome and flavorful plain cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-1/2 lbs. meal
• 1 breakfast cupful of sultanas
• 1 oz. ground bitter almonds
• 3 oz. chopped sweet almonds
• 2 eggs
• 3 oz. butter or 1/2 teacupful of oil
• 6 oz. sugar
• 1 teaspoonful cinnamon
• 1/4 oz. yeast
• Milk (to moisten the cake)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Before starting, ensure you have the necessary ingredients ready, including meal, sultanas, ground bitter almonds, chopped sweet almonds, eggs, butter (or oil), sugar, cinnamon, yeast, and milk.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Dissolve the Yeast: Begin by dissolving the 1/4 oz. of yeast in a cup of warm water. In winter, the water should be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while in summer, it should be approximately 85 degrees. Create a batter with the yeast and water, incorporating two spoonfuls of meal. Allow this mixture to rise, but take care not to let it get too hot, as this can harm the yeast.
2. Prepare the Fruit and Almonds: While the yeast mixture is rising, prepare the sultanas, ground bitter almonds, and chopped sweet almonds. These ingredients will contribute to the cake’s flavor and texture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the 2-1/2 lbs. of meal, 6 oz. of sugar, and 1 teaspoonful of cinnamon.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, butter (or oil), and the prepared fruit and almonds to the dry ingredients. Ensure that everything is well mixed.
5. Add Yeast Mixture and Milk: Incorporate the yeast mixture into the dough, along with enough lukewarm milk to moisten the cake. The dough should have a fairly firm and wet consistency.
6. Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm place in front of the fire. This rising period allows the dough to develop its flavor and texture.
7. Baking: Once the dough has risen, fill it into greased cake tins. Bake the cakes in an oven for approximately 1-1/2 hours or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

YIELD:

• This recipe yields a hearty and flavorful plain cake, perfect for sharing or savoring.

SERVING:

• Serve your homemade plain cake as a delightful dessert or snack. Its wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors make it a versatile treat for any occasion.

TIPS:

• Adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve the desired dough consistency.
• Feel free to customize the cake with additional spices or dried fruits to suit your taste.

In conclusion, a plain cake is a timeless classic that captures the essence of tradition and simplicity. This recipe for a plain cake combines the robustness of meal with the sweetness of sultanas, the depth of ground bitter almonds, and the crunch of chopped sweet almonds, all enhanced by the warmth of cinnamon. The result is a cake that’s both hearty and satisfying, offering a comforting taste of nostalgia.

Creating this plain cake is a straightforward process that begins with dissolving yeast in warm water, creating a batter, and allowing it to rise. While the yeast is developing, you can prepare the sultanas and almonds, ensuring that they are ready to enhance the cake’s flavor and texture.

Mixing the dry ingredients, including meal, sugar, and cinnamon, provides the foundation for the cake. Adding the eggs, butter (or oil), and prepared fruit and almonds brings a delightful richness and complexity to the dough.

Incorporating the yeast mixture and lukewarm milk ensures that the dough is moistened to the right consistency. The rising period in front of the fire allows the dough to develop its character and flavor.

Once the dough has risen, filling it into greased cake tins and baking until the cakes turn a lovely golden-brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean ensures a perfectly cooked cake.

Serve your homemade plain cake as a comforting dessert or a satisfying snack. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, as a sweet treat after a meal, or sharing it with loved ones.

Feel free to experiment with additional spices or dried fruits to customize the cake to your liking. Embrace the simplicity and heartiness of this plain cake recipe, and savor the timeless pleasure it brings to your taste buds.