Makowiec (Polish Poppy Seed Cake) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 9-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the warm milk.
7. Fold in the poppy seeds, raisins, chopped walnuts, honey, and vanilla extract.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use margarine instead of butter.
- You can use almond milk instead of regular milk.
- You can use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
- You can use pecans instead of walnuts.

Variations:
- You can add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
- You can add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cake.
- You can make individual mini cakes instead of one large cake.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the batter or the cake will be tough.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter for extra flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Garnishes:
You can garnish the cake with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
This cake is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, try adding a tablespoon of flour to the batter.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Food history:
Makowiec is a traditional Polish cake that is typically served during the Christmas season. It is made with poppy seeds, which are a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Polish culture.

Flavor profiles:
This cake has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor from the poppy seeds, honey, and raisins.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries.

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Region: Polish

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Rich, Aromatic