Revani (semolina-almond sponge cake with syrup)
Yield: 20 servings Ka
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 c Granulated sugar 1 c All-purpose flour
- 3 c Cold water 1 c Fine semolina
- 1 sm Cinnamon stick 3 ts Baking powder
- 3 Whole cloves 1 c Finely chopped almonds *
- 1 Orange (peel only) 1 ts Vanilla extract
- 1/2 lb Sweet butter 2 tb Brandy
Instructions:
*Note: Use blanched peeled almonds. Combine 1-1/2 cups of the sugar with the cold water in a saucepan and cook until dissolved then add the cinnamon stick cloves and orange peel and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the flavorings. Cool. Using an electric mixer beat the butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the remaining sugar beating on medium speed then add the eggs one at a time beating thoroughly after each addition without rushing. Meanwhile sift the flour semolina baking powder and almonds together. Very gradually add to the batter beating on medium speed then pour in the vanilla and brandy and give the batter a last whirl on high speed for a few seconds. Pour immediately into a buttered 9 x 12 x 3-inch cake pan and bake on the center rack of a moderate oven (350 F) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched by a finger. Remove from the oven and set the pan on a cake rack. Using a sharp knife score the cake into diamond shapes. Spoon the cooled syrup over the entire cake and cool. Note: Each piece may be attractively garnished with a candied or marachino cherry slice in the center and almond slivers angled on each side. From: "The Food of Greece" by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles. Avenel Books New York. Typed for you by Karen Mintzias
