Food Network Scholar: Cranberry Almond Cake

Television Feasts

I am a home cook who backyard gardens and has a serious closet addiction to the Food Network. I envision visiting the world in my own kitchen.

From Julia to Giada, I am a bi-product of the quirky world of anything food television. At age 10 I wanted to lunch with Julia; at 12 I thought sitting at Graham Kerr's table would be bliss; in college I was a diligent voyeur student of Jeff Smith's; and as a newlywed I envisioned myself being Martha. Then the sky opened up and violin music played in the background when I discovered an entire family of food shows on the blossoming food network. Twenty years later I am still a home chef with a backyard garden, yet in my head I am a trained chef who has eaten her way around the world, tasted all things exotic, competed in many challenges, judged the best of the best, and have a circle of friends which includes Emeril, Bobby, Rachael and more. I like to learn and challenge myself simply for the pleasure of all things food. I am a student of the University of Food Network and my textbooks, exams and extra-curricular activities all stem from channel 39.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Cranberry Almond Cake

I am having guests in over the weekend so I wanted to make dessert tonight, that way I can work on dinner tomorrow. I plan on serving this with vanilla ice cream. It was my last hoarded bag of cranberries I froze when they were in season. This is simple and looks elegant. I can't tell you until tomorrow how it tastes! I will add a footnote after I serve it.

Cranberry Almond Cake
printable recipe

1-1/2 c. flour
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. butter at room temperature
1 c. sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 c. milk
1-1/2 c. fresh cranberries
1/2 c. sliced almonds

In a medium bowl combine the flour and baking powder.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with a mixer until they are light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, vanilla and almond extract. Beat on high for 1 minute until creamy.

Add half the flour mixture and beat on low until the flour is incorporated.
Add half of the milk, and beat until incorporated. Repeat.
Beat on high for 1 minute.