1 cup orange juice 1/2 cup brandy 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 cups golden
raisins 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup honey 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1/4
tsp ground cloves 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp double-acting baking
powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 2 tbsp grated orange peel 1/2 cup sesame seeds
(optional) 1/4 cup brandy
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine orange juice, 1/2 cup brandy, butter,
raisins, sugar, honey, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a large heavy-bottomed
saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, or
until thick and syrupy. Set pot in cold water to cool mixture completely.
Sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda into cooled syrup. Beat
vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes, or until batter is smooth and bubbly. Stir
in grated peel. Turn into well-buttered 7-inch fluted tube pan or 8-inch
loaf pan. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a
knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup brandy
and cool cake in pan.
From
Yields
12 -16