Simnel Cake
Serves 10-12
 
The marzipan balls on top of the cake represent 11 of the apostles. Judas wasnít counted in, obviously! 
  • 500g (18oz) dried fruits (sultanas, raisins, currants,
  • mixed peel, apricots, prunes), chopped if large juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 175g (6oz) butter, softened + extra for greasing
  • 175g (6oz) light muscavado sugar
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 225g (8oz) plain flour, sifted
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 100g (3 1/2 oz) flaked almonds, toasted
  • 2 x 250g packs golden marzipan
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten 

 

  1. Preheat the oven to 170∫C (Gas Mark 3). Line the base and sides of a 20.5cm (8in) spring form cake tin with parchment paper. Toss the dried fruit in a bowl with the lemon zest and juice and set aside.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a food mixer (or with a handheld whisk) until pale and creamy. Add the eggs bit by bit with a little of the flour each time also, beating after each addition. Add the remaining fl our with the cinnamon and nutmeg and fold through to combine.
  3. Add the dried fruits and lemon mixture with the almonds, stirring in well. Finally, cut half of the marzipan into small cubes and stir in also.
  4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Place in the oven to bake for about two hours, until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the centre. Leave to cool in the tin, then carefully remove.
  5. Once cool, preheat the grill to high. Roll the remaining marzipan out to about 5mm (ºin) thick and cut out a 20.5 cm (8in) round with the clean base of the cake tin as a guide. Brush the top of the cake with the egg white and lay the circle of marzipan on to stick. Use the point of a finger to push the marzipan into a wavy effect around the edge, then brush all over the top with the egg white.
  6. Roll the marzipan trimmings into 11 equal-size balls and arrange them on top in an even circle about 2Ωcm (1in) in from the edge. Brush the balls with egg white also, then grill the cake for a few minutes, until turning golden brown in places.
  7. Place the cake on a serving plate or cake stand and decorate with ribbons around the edge.

 
Get your applications for Club Officer Training on the 25th in to cdavenport@macra.ie asap!
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