A Very Economical German Clove Cake Recipe

A Very Economical German Clove Cake Recipe

History:
The recipe for A Very Economical German Clove Cake has an interesting history. It was bought by Aunt Sarah at a "Cake and Pie" sale and she was given permission to pass it on. This cake is not only delicious but also economical as it does not require any butter, eggs, or milk. Its ingredients are simple and can be easily found in most kitchens, making it a perfect option for a frugal yet satisfying dessert.

Fun Facts:
- German cuisine is known for its rich flavors and traditional recipes. German Clove Cake, or Nelkenkuchen as it's called in Germany, is a classic dessert that showcases the warm and aromatic flavors of cloves.
- Cloves have been used in cooking and baking for centuries. They add a distinct and spicy flavor to dishes, making them a popular choice for both sweet and savory recipes.
- Raisins, another key ingredient in this cake, are dried grapes that have been used in baking for thousands of years. They add sweetness and a delightful chewiness to the cake.
- The use of lard in this recipe harkens back to traditional German baking, where it was commonly used for its rich and buttery flavor. However, you can also use a mixture of lard and butter for a slightly different taste.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 cups seeded raisins
- 1/3 cup sweet lard, or a mixture of lard and butter
- 1/4 grated nutmeg
- 2 teaspoonfuls cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoonful ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoonful of soda dissolved in a little hot water
- Approximately 1 3/4 cups sifted flour
- 1/2 teaspoonful baking powder

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to a moderately hot temperature.
2. In a stew-pan, combine the brown sugar, cold water, seeded raisins, sweet lard (or lard and butter mixture), grated nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt.
3. Place the stew-pan on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for three minutes.
4. Remove the stew-pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
5. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the soda in a little hot water.
6. Once the mixture in the stew-pan has cooled, add the dissolved soda and mix well.
7. In another bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together.
8. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the stew-pan, stirring until well combined.
9. Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter into it.
10. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed A Very Economical German Clove Cake, here are a few similar recipe dishes you might also like to try:

1. German Apple Cake: A moist and flavorful cake made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a touch of cloves. It's a classic German dessert that is perfect for fall.

2. German Plum Cake: This delightful cake is made with juicy plums, a buttery batter, and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. It's a favorite during plum season in Germany.

3. German Honey Cake: A rich and aromatic cake made with honey, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It has a dense and moist texture that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

These traditional German recipes offer a taste of the country's culinary heritage and are sure to impress your family and friends with their delightful flavors.