TV chef and presenter James Martin’s latest book celebrates the wonderful regional cuisine of SpainThis simple one-layer sponge cake is my version of Spanish orange cake, which hails from Valencia. To change things up, I’ve flavoured my sponge not just with orange but also walnuts, and added an extra layer of flavour with an orange juice and walnut liqueur glaze.
SERVES SIX TO EIGHT
- 250g salted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1 orange, zested and then sliced
- 1 tbsp walnut liqueur
- 250g caster sugar
- 5 eggs
- 250g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100g walnuts, chopped For the glaze
- 200g caster sugar
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 50ml walnut liqueur
2. To make the cake, beat the butter, orange zest, walnut liqueur and sugar together in a stand mixer or with a whisk until fluffy. Add the eggs and beat until thoroughly mixed. Fold in the flour, baking powder and walnuts by hand.
3. Spoon into the prepared tin, top with the orange slices and bake on the middle shelf for 45 minutes. Leave to cool.
4. Heat all the ingredients for the glaze together in a saucepan over a high heat for five or six minutes until syrupy. When the cake is nearly cold, brush the syrup all over the cake.
5. Serve slices of cake with cream or vanilla ice cream. It will keep in an airtight tin for two to three days.
James Martin’s Spanish Adventure 80 Fantastic Recipes from Around Spain, with photographs by Dan Jones, is published by Quadrille, price £27Rather leave the cooking to the experts? We can find you the perfect candidate; from Housekeepers to Gardeners, Nannies to Carers, we source only the most exceptional candidates for your home.
The Lady, home of domestic recruitment now has three options to suit every need and budget. For more information and to get the ball rolling, SIMPLY CALL 020 7379 4717 OR EMAIL recruitment@lady.co.uk
