Knitting club meets once a month. That gives me an opportunity to bake something. In August, this was the cake I baked and everybody loved it!
Nectarine Topping:
2 1/2 nectarines, halved and stones removed
2 tablespoons sugar
Dough:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Orange Syrup:
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
Orange Syrup:
Place the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Set aside and allow to cool.
Nectarine Topping:
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the nectarine halves with sugar and cook, cut-side down, for 2-3 minutes or until the sugar is melted and golden. Set aside.
Dough:
Mix ingredients until just combined. Spoon into a oiled, rectangular, deep baking pan (about 13" x 4" x 3"). Press the nectarines into the mixture, cut-side up, and bake for 30 minutes at 325F or until cooked when tested with a skewer. Allow to cool and pour some orange syrup over the top. Serve with the extra orange syrup.
