Bake this buttery orange and poppy seed-flavored cake in 4- to 6-cup ring mold. You can fill the center with mandarin oranges or halved strawberries or simply dust the cake with powdered sugar to make a pretty dessert.

Preparation time:   15 min Baking time:   30 min Oven temp:   350 degrees F

For 1 cake, 6 to 8 servings, you will need: 1/2 cup butter or margarine 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/3 cup poppy seeds 1 Tbsp. grated orange rind 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt Powdered sugar to dust over cake, optional Mandarin oranges Slightly sweetened whipped cream, optional

 

1. In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs. Beat until light. Stir in buttermilk, poppy seeds, orange rind and vanilla. 2. Measure flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into bowl all at one time. Beat until mixture is smooth and light. 3. Butter a 4- to 6-cup ring mold. Pour batter into mold. 4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 min or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 5 min in pan. Then turn out onto rack. 5. Dust cooled cake with powdered sugar, if you wish. Place on serving plate and pile fruit in center. Serve with whipped cream on the side, if desired. Tips: Other fruits or berries are good with this cake, or omit fruit and glaze the cake instead. To make glaze, squeeze juice from 1 orange. Measure 1 cup powdered sugar into bowl. Add enough of the juice to make a smooth glaze.