CHANUKKAH NUT CAKE WITH HONEY SYRUP
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts
- 1 cup dried dates, minced
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
HONEY SYRUP:
- 1 1/2 cups of honey
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 small lemon juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
NOTE: The traditional way is to mix all dry ingredients on a board using your hands, rubbing and sifting them until well mixed. Make a mound and put a hole in the center. Pour oil and water in center and make into a dough. Knead the dough for about 1 minute.
Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl if you must, and mix well. Add the oil and water and make a dough, kneed for 1 minute or so. Place dough in a greased, use oil, 9" pan. Bake in a pre heated oven at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. Remove and allow to cool.
HONEY SYRUP: In a pot over medium high heat cook honey, water, lemon juice and zest. Allow to reduce by 1/4.
Place cake in a shallow plate and with a fork; make holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the warm syrup over the cake and allow to sit 1 hour before serving.
This is a delicious cake that is great with coffee.
This quick and easy cake is a special holiday cake from the Turkish Jewish tradition. Make extra cakes and share them with your friends and family as gifts.