“winter dusk
the rhythm of her knife
chopping fruit and nuts”
Elizabeth St. Jacques
Ingredients
1 cup cooking oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pitted prunes
1 cup roasted chopped almonds
Glaze
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. (Maybe I should have tossed the cut prunes in a bit of flour; that way they wouldn’t have sunk to the bottom)
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Add all the remaining ingredients and mix well.
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Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9″ ring pan (or 13×9 pan) and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
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While the cake is baking, combine all the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan and cook slowly over medium heat until thickened slightly.
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When the cake is done, remove it from the oven; prick holes over the surface of the hot cake with a fork, and pour the glaze over the top. Top with roasted almonds immediately if you like. (I turned the cake upside down to get the smooth side on top)
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Cover and allow to cool slightly before serving (this allows the glaze to soak down into the cake).