Honey-drenched Greek Walnut Cake

This is the time of year that we are finishing up fall cooking classes, preparing write ups for spring classes, going to football games . . . and beginning to plan for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have been doing a lot of cooking—many of our favorites but also trying a few new recipes and I finally found a little time to post this "honey of a cake" recipe that is chock full of walnuts and oh-so-delicious!

Honey-drenched Greek Walnut Cake      Makes one 9x9” square cake; about 12 serving

In ancient times honey cake played an important role in ceremonies and served as a sacrificial bread of the ancient Greeks. In Bohemia honey cake popped up in 1335 in Trnov, where they later spread to all corners of the Czech lands.

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon lemon zest

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 egg

1/4 cup milk

1 cup walnuts, chopped + 12 walnuts to top cake servings if desired

Honey Syrup

1 cup honey

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup water

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray and line a 9” square pan with parchment or foil, allowing 2 sides of the paper overlapping edges for easy removal of cake from pan.  Spray the paper. 
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and lemon rind. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. 
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time. 
5. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated; begin and end with the flour. 
6. Stir in the walnuts.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan. 
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 
9. Allow to cool for 15 minutes, remove cake from pan (using edges of paper or foil), and then cut. 
10. Place a serving of cake on a plate and pour honey syrup over the top. Top with walnut if desired.

For the Honey Syrup: In a saucepan, combine honey, 1 cup sugar and water. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.