Frangipane Cake

While in Elementary School, Mr. Man-Pants fell in love with a lady, named 'Britney.' He spoke of her incessantly. And even professed his love for her in a quixotic, and beautifully-illustrated love letter. A letter I have treasured for many years. And now, the time has come, to share it with you, my friends, this Valentine's Day.

 Be forewarned. The innocence and cute factor will make your heart go BOOM!
Enjoy his artwork, and grammar.

Before publishing this, I asked the boy:

'Would it be okay to post your love letter to Britney?'

'Who?'

. . . And fare thee well, my only Love,
And fare thee well a while!

May Cupid aim in your direction this Valentine's Day. But if he misses, whate'er. There's always cake!

Frangipane Cake

This cake is delicious on its own. I gave it a light dusting of confectioner's sugar, and served it with poached fresh figs. I made the sugar rose, but, fresh flowers would look just as pretty in this heart Bundt cake.

1 pound almond paste, broken into small pieces
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup AP flour
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla paste, or vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
¼ teaspoon salt
6 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup coarsely chopped figs, pears, peaches or whole mixed berries

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

2.In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine almond paste, granulated sugar and flour. Mix until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add butter, vanilla paste, almond extract and salt, and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, until smooth.

3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Place fruit on top (if using). Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until a light golden brown. Cool cake in the pan on wire rack. Remove from pan and cool completely.

4. Dust with confectioner's sugar. Adapted from Intermezzo magazine.

I have been away far too long. Please, forgive my disappearing act.  Sam was married last year. And we got a little preoccupied with the wedding. As well as helping the newlyweds (and their dog) move back home. Not complaining, but a Calm Down button would sure be nice.