Dutch Almond Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cubes butter (softened to almost melting point, in microwave in glass container)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• Pinch of Salt
• Pure Almond Extract (to taste, but usually at least 4 tsp.)
• Pure Vanilla Extract (to taste, but usually at least 2 tsp.)
• Optional Ingredients: (for garnishing top of cake after baking)
• Granulated or Raw Sugar
• Slivered Almonds (toasted or untoasted)
• Maraschino Cherry

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350-375 degrees (depending on oven). Grease 9" round baking pan. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and mix on high until very fluffy. Add flour, salt and extracts. Mix until blended, but do not over-mix. Bake for 25-30 minutes (time and temp depend on oven)
Optional Garnish: When cake is still slightly warm, but not directly out of oven, sprinkle top with granulated sugar or raw sugar and almonds and garnish with cherry in center of cake. Serve in wedges at room-temperature.

Submitted by: Melissa Nielson