Almond Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sliced almonds

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Electric mixer

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the almond extract and mix until combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the almonds.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 10-12 slices

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 437 kcal
Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Protein: 7 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: can be substituted with vegan butter
- Sour cream: can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt
- Almonds: can be substituted with walnuts or pecans

Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version
- Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolate almond pound cake

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before beginning
- Use a light hand when mixing the batter to avoid overmixing
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with melted chocolate
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream

Garnishes:
- Sliced almonds
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the batter before baking

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning
- Use clean utensils and bowls when preparing
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before slicing

Food History:
Pound cakes have been around since the 1700s and were originally made with a pound of each ingredient: flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of almond and crunchy texture from the almonds.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream
- Serve with a drizzle of melted chocolate

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Almondy