Butter for greasing
the dish |
THE BOTTOM LAYER |
2 cups cranberries,
washed |
1/2 cup finely chopped (not ground) walnuts |
1/2 cup sugar |
THE BATTER |
1/4 pound (1 stick)
unsalted butter, softened |
3/4 cup sugar |
1 egg |
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract |
1/4 teaspoon almond
extract |
1 cup unbleached flour |
1 teaspoon baking powder |
1/4 teaspoon salt |
1/2 cup milk |
|
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly
butter a 1 1/2 quart-capacity pie plate or quiche dish (not with a
removable bottom) about 10 inches in diameter. |
Arrange the cranberries
evenly on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle on the walnuts and sugar. |
To make the batter, in a large bowl use
an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light
and somewhat fluffy. Add the egg and the vanilla and almond extracts
and beat until very smooth and fluffy. Be patient. |
Sprinkle in the flour, baking powder,
and salt and beat a few seconds. Pour in the milk and beat just until
incorporated. |
Using a spoon, drop small mounds of batter
all over the cranberries. With a narrow metal icing spatula spread
the batter around to evenly cover the berries. |
Bake 45 minutes, or until the cake springs
back when you gently press the center with your finger. (The cake
will be a rich golden color.) Cool completely before serving. Place
confectioners' sugar in a sieve and dust the top of the cake with
it. Cut into wedges and serve. |