BRITISH WALNUT CAKE

BRITISH WALNUT CAKE image

Yield 12-16 slices

Number Of Ingredients 11

1½ cups (3 sticks) pure butter
2 cups sugar
6 eggs, separated
¾ cup milk
¼ cup brandy or cognac
1 teaspoon vanilla
3½ cups sifted flour
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Confectioners' sugar

Steps:

Beat butter until light; gradually beat in sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolks. Mix together the milk, brandy and vanilla; set aside. (If it curdles, it's OK.) Sift flour with salt. Mix flour mixture and liquid mixture alternately into the butter mixture. Add chopped walnuts to the batter. Beat egg whites until foamy, add cream of tartar, and continue beating whites until they hold definite peaks. Fold meringue into the batter gently but thoroughly, being careful not to deflate them too much. Pour mixture into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake at 275° F. for 2½ to 3 hours, or until it tests done. Cool a few minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely. Sift confectioners' sugar over the top before serving.