🍰 Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake: A Sweet Legacy 🍰
📜 History:
Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. Legend has it that the recipe originated in the late 19th century when Isabel, a skilled baker and a devout churchgoer, first prepared this cake for a Bishop’s visit to her hometown. The Bishop was so enamored by the cake that he asked Isabel for the recipe, which she graciously shared. The cake has been enjoyed at family gatherings and church events ever since.
🧁 Components:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup candied cherries
- 1 cup chopped nuts (usually pecans)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
⏱️ Preparation Time:
Approximately 30 minutes preparation, 1 hour baking, and additional time for cooling and decoration.
📋 Steps to Prepare Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan or a traditional tube pan.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter-sugar mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
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Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the candied cherries and chopped nuts. This adds a delightful texture and flavor to the cake.
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Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Decoration: Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze over it if desired. This adds a sweet finishing touch.
🍽️ Serving:
Slice and serve this delectable cake as a delightful dessert at family gatherings or special occasions. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake is not just a recipe; it’s a piece of family history and tradition. As you savor each bite of this cake, you’re tasting the love and memories of generations past. Enjoy! 🍰😊🎉
🍰 Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake Nutrition and Health Information 🍰
While Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake is undoubtedly a delicious treat, it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a rich and indulgent dessert. Here are some general nutrition facts and health information for a typical serving of this cake:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Total Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 7-10g
- Cholesterol: 50-70mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-6g
🔍 Health Information:
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Moderation: Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake is a high-calorie dessert, primarily due to its sugar and butter content. Enjoy it in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
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Saturated Fat: The cake contains a significant amount of saturated fat, mainly from the butter and eggs. High consumption of saturated fat may contribute to increased cholesterol levels, so it’s best enjoyed occasionally.
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Added Sugars: This cake is sweetened with sugar and candied cherries. Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and other health issues, so be mindful of your sugar consumption.
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Portion Control: Consider cutting smaller slices to manage portion sizes and calorie intake.
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Balanced Diet: To maintain a balanced diet, pair this cake with healthier food choices throughout the day, focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
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Hydration: Enjoying this cake with a glass of water can help you feel more satisfied and prevent overeating.
Remember that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. It’s always a good idea to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice. While Aunt Isabel’s Bishop’s Cake is a delightful treat, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple for a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. 🍰🍏💧