Recipe from Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi.

I had placed myself on a ban for some time when it came to new cookbooks – not only for economic reasons but also because I have so many with little post-it tabs still awaiting attention from me that I really wanted to get through before adding any more to the pile.  But as soon as I saw Jerusalem I knew that it had to be mine and I am very glad I relented.  This is a really beautiful book and there are so many things I have earmarked already to try but I instantly knew following my initial look through that this cake had to be first.  It’s one of those beautifully damp, sticky, fragrant cakes that are perfect served with some whipped cream or yoghurt for dessert or just as it is with a cuppa. We loved it.  The other thing that I love about this cake is that it gets better over a couple of days and lasts really well for at least 3 or 4 in an airtight container, which makes it perfect for baking at the weekend to have something nice on hand throughout the week.  I don’t know whether it is the lovely sunset colour of the cake or the fragrant orange zest scent that fills the kitchen but this cake always reminds me of a warm summer evening and that is the perfect antidote to a dreary wet day on the west coast of Ireland. [Read more…]