Jewish > Passover > Honey Cake

Lekach with Apples and Nuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup grated apples (about 2 medium-sized apples)

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

5. Fold in the chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, and grated apples.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

8. Let the lekach cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 1 loaf, serves 8-10 people

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 320
- Total fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
- Sodium: 24mg
- Total carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil or melted butter.
- Instead of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar or coconut sugar.
- Instead of walnuts and almonds, you can use any other nuts of your choice.
- Instead of grated apples, you can use grated carrots or zucchini.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for extra sweetness.
- Replace the chopped nuts with chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to grate the apples finely so that they incorporate well into the batter.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense cake.
- Let the lekach cool completely before slicing it, as this will make it easier to cut.

Storage Instructions:
- Store the lekach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the lekach, wrap it in foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the lekach sliced and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit on top of each slice.
- Drizzle honey or caramel sauce over the top.

Pairings:
- Serve the lekach with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lekach is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the lekach is too moist, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the recipe.
- Store the lekach in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or spoiling.

Food History:
- Lekach is a traditional Jewish honey cake that is often served during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet, nutty, and spiced.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the lekach as a dessert or snack.

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Region: Jewish

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Fruity, Spiced, Moist