Shelly's Recipe

HOLIDAY WHISKEY CAKE

Category: Cakes

2 cups raisins
2 cups chopped walnuts
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp ground cardamom or cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 2/3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
4 large egg whites
1 large egg
1/2 cup bourbon, Scotch whiskey, or apple cider

Preheat the oven to 325. Lightly grease a 9 inch square baking pan. To keep cake from over browning, line pan with parchment paper; lightly grease paper.

In a medium bowl, pour enough boiling water over the raisins to cover. Let stand for 30 minutes, or until water cools to room temperature; drain well.

In a medium bowl, toss drained raisins and walnuts with 1/2 cup of the flour.

In another medium bowl, stir together the remaining 2 cups flour, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream the brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy, scraping side of bowl often. Add the egg whites and beat well. Add the egg and beat well. Using a wooden spoon, stir in one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the bourbon.

Repeat, then stir in the remaining flour mixture. Fold in the raisin mixture. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan; smooth the surface. Bake about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the pan upright on a wire rack for 20 minutes.

Using a narrow metal spatula, loosen sides of cake from the pan, then invert the cake onto the rack. Cool completely. Remove the paper.