Honey apple cake a Jewish tradition for Rosh Hashana

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, September 14, 2004

As families gather for a meal at Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, among traditional foods are honey and apples, symbols of sweetness, blessings, abundance and the hope for a sweet year ahead. This year, 5765, Rosh Hashana begins at sundown tonight.

Honey apple cake

1 1/2cups honey

1tablespoon almond extract

1/4cup very strong coffee

1/4cup vegetable oil

2eggs

21/2cups flour

21/2teaspoons baking powder

1teaspoon baking soda

3/4teaspoon cinnamon

3/4teaspoon allspice

1/4teaspoon salt

2cups peeled, chopped Granny Smith apple

1/2cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan.

Stir together honey and almond extract. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture.

Combine remaining honey mixture with coffee, oil and eggs; whisk until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and salt. Stir into wet ingredients, stirring until flour is thoroughly incorporated. Add chopped apple and raisins, stirring just until moistened.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Tent with foil halfway through baking if necessary to prevent over-browning.) Spread warm slices of cake with butter and drizzle with remaining honey mixture.

Makes 10 servings.

Recipe developed for AP by the National Honey Board