Spiced Honey Cake with Black Tea and Almonds

(Makes 1 cake)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder or grated whole nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (we use Salute Santé brand)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup black tea, freshly brewed (1 tsp loose tea or 1 tea bag in 1/2 cup warm water)
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds (roasted & unsalted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the honey and black tea.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 minutes.

5. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the oil.

6. Add the honey and tea mixture and beat for another minute.

7. Add the dry flour mixture and mix just until almost combined.

8. Stir in chopped almonds and finish mixing with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl.

9. Pour the batter into a lightly oiled cake pan.

10. Bake on the center rack for 25 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

11. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes) before slicing.

12. Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche.

Enjoy!