Rich Almond Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups natural almonds (10 oz)
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp grated orange peel
• 8 large egg whites
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour, sifted
• confectioners' sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. butter and flour a 8½-inch round spring-form pan.
3. Line bottom with waxed paper.
4. In food processor, pulse almonds until finely ground (it is important not to over grind and produce a paste)
5. Transfer almonds to a bowl and add sugar and orange peel; mix well.
6. In large bowl, using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites and salt until stiff peaks are formed.
7. Fold in almonds a little at a time.
8. Take care not to over mix.
9. Sift flour again, a little at a time, over mixture and gently fold in.
10. Transfer mixture to prepared pan.
11. Bake in center of oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
12. Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes before releasing from pan.
13. Cool completely on a wire rack.
14. Transfer cake to serving plate and dust top with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
15. Serve in a pool of Cranberry-Orange Compote.