RUM WALNUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Generously butter a large bundt pan. Evenly spread the walnut halves over the bottom of the pan.
• Combine the raisins, 1/2 cup of the rum and the water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, shaking frequently, until all the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool, and then stir in the chopped walnuts. Reserve.
• Combine the honey, sour cream and remaining 1/4 cup rum in a small bowl and reserve.
• In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and soda.
• With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and salt. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating about a minute at medium speed after each addition.
• Add the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream/honey combination, in five parts, mixing gently between additions. (The last addition should be the liquids.) Fold in the rum-soaked raisins and nuts.
• In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and soda.
• With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and salt. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating about a minute at medium speed after each addition.
• Add the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream/honey combination, in five parts, mixing gently between additions. (The last addition should be the liquids.) Fold in the rum-soaked raisins and nuts.
• Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Poke the batter in a few places with a knife to release large air bubbles. Smooth the top with a spatula and tap on a counter twice to release air bubbles. Bake 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out dry. Cool on a rack while preparing the glaze.
• To make the glaze, combine the butter, sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and let boil 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the rum.
• To glaze, poke a few deep holes in the cake with a skewer or toothpick. Brush on one-third of the glaze. Invert the cake onto a baking pan and remove the cake pan. Brush the remaining glaze over the top, sides and down the center. Let cool completely before transferring to a platter and slicing.