Simnel Cake

== Ingredients ==
=== Almond paste ===
* 4 ounces (125 grams) sugar
* 4 ounces (125 grams) almonds, ground
* 1 egg, beaten
* 8½ teaspoon almond extract
=== Cake ===
* 4 ounces (125 grams) butter, softened
* 4 ounces (125 grams) soft brown sugar
* 3 eggs, beaten
* 5 ounces (150 grams) all-purpose flour
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon mixed spice
* 12 ounces (350 grams) mixed dried fruit
* 82 ounces (50 grams) mixed citrus peel
* grated zest of ½ lemon,
* 1 teaspoon apricot jam warmed
* beaten egg for glazing
== Directions ==
=== Almond paste ===
# Mix together sugar and ground almonds, and add enough beaten egg to give a soft consistency.
# Add almond extract and knead for one minute or until the paste is smooth and pliable.
# Set aside, covered.
# Preheat oven to 140°C (275°F).
=== Cake ===
# Cream together butter and sugar.
# Beat in eggs, a bit at a time.
# Sift flour, salt and spice, and add to mixture alternately with dried fruit, mixed peel and zest of lemon.
# Mix well together.
# Place half the mixture into a well lined 7 inch (18 cm) tin and smooth top with a wooden spoon.
# Roll out ½ the almond paste into a circle and place on top of the cake mixture.
# Pour in remainder of cake batter and smooth top, hollowing the top slightly.
# Bake in a preheated oven 140°C (275°F), for one and a half to two hours.
# Remove and set on rack to cool.
# When cake is quite cold, brush top with slightly warmed apricot jam.
# Roll out remainder of almond paste to fit top of cake.
# Lay it on top of the apricot jam.
# With the scraps of paste, form eleven small egg shapes, and place eggs around the edge.
# Brush entire top including eggs with a little beaten egg.
# Return cake to the oven for about 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) for almond paste to brown.
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Category:Cake Recipes