Use your most attractive tube-type cake pan for this old-fashioned delicious cake. Cardamom, nutmeg, and raisins give the cake it's character. To further enhance the flavors, you may coat the greased mold with ground almonds or filberts.

Preparation time:   20 to 25 min Baking time:   55 to 60 min Oven temp:   350 degrees F

For 1 8 to 10 inch ring cake you will need: 1 cup butter or margarine 1 cup sugar 2 eggs, room temperature 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. each ground cardamom and nutmeg 1 cup muscat raisins or regular dark raisins 1 cup buttermilk

 

1. Cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. 2. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cardamom and nutmeg. 3. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. of the flour mixture over the raisins, mixing well. Set aside. 4. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk to butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fluffy. 5. Stir in raisins and mix until evenly blended. 6. Turn into a 6-cup capacity, well greased tube cake pan, 8 to 10 inches in diameter. 7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 min or until the center of the cake tests done. Tips: For variation, add 1 Tbsp. grated orange rind instead of cardamom and nutmeg to the cake. Or, if desired, substitute chopped dates for the raisins. Good served with: Coffee for dessert. Top with spiced whipped cream, if desired, made by combining 1 cup whipped cream with 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon.