I am Deb Foster from Fenwick, Ontario, Canada, with roots from Poland, Ukraine and England. Upon retirement I took increased my loving interest in cooking and baking. My mother recently passed and I asked my one son what he would like as a keepsake. He asked for “Nana’s Recipes” His happy memories were of family gatherings with plenty of delicious foods. I realized my heartstring memories were of my own Baba and her wonderful foods made in the tiniest of kitchens. She grew amazing things in her little town garden and used them to make delicious meals and desserts. My Gego had Honey Bees, making the sweetest elixir. We used to sneak into the honey house and help ourselves to the gooey pieces of honeycomb, chewing it like gum with the sweetness running down our chins. With these memories in mind, I would like to share my HONEY CAKE recipe. I was not able to find my Baba’s recipe but I have tried so very many and have found this to be the closest in flavour and texture to the memories I have of my Baba. I bite into this with eyes closed and I see her beside me. This recipe is of Jewish background which makes sense as the part of Poland my Baba came from had a considerable Jewish population.
Thank you for letting me share.
HONEY CAKE
Serves 10+
US-measures
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
4 teaspoons ground Ceylon or Cassia Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
*sift all the above together
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup Non-Pasteurized Honey (I purchase mine from a local Apiary)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 cup warm espresso coffee (strong tea may be used)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup Rye or Whisky
OPTIONAL
1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds for topping
PREHEAT OVEN 350F
grease the pans / you may use parchment paper
MIX
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the SIFTED flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Make a well in the center
2. Add the oil, honey, sugars, eggs, vanilla, coffee, orange juice, and rye or whisky
3. With a strong wire whisk or an electric mixer with paddle attachment on slow speed, combine the ingredients well to make a thick batter, making sure that no ingredients are stuck to the bottom of the bowl.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan(s)
Optional – sprinkle the top of the cake(s) evenly with the almonds.
BAKING TIMES
FYI – I often bake in small loaf pans to give as gifts or serve slices for teas. The baking times must be adjusted for the smaller size always test with a toothpick for doneness.
5. Place the cake pan(s) on 2 baking sheets stacked together and bake until the cake springs back when you touch it gently in the center.
*For angel and tube cake pans, bake for 60 to 70 minutes;
*Loaf cakes, 45 to 55 minutes. *Less for the smaller loaf tins.
*For sheet-style cakes, the baking time is 40 to 45 minutes.(ovens will vary)
*This Batter is fairly liquidy, depending on your oven, it may need extra time. Cake should spring back when gently pressed.
Enjoy!
This Honey Cake freezes and thaws like a dream. Company arriving? take it out of the freezer and thaw gently in the microwave. Lovely warm with butter (or plain). This Honey Cake will take you to Heaven.
Food Security
In the Niagara Region, we have the “Niagara FOOD Security Network”
It’s hard to believe, in a region of fertile land and numerous farms, households suffer Food Insecurity.
Emergency food requirements have increased with the introduction of Covid – business closures and job loss
That said, Working Poor were and are, suffering food insecurities as well.
Those who were just getting by pre-Covid now find themselves at a serious disadvantage.
High taxation (and getting higher) is raising the price of food and all other necessities. The falling Canadian dollar increases the cost of nutritious fruits and vegetables especially through winter months. Over 10% of Niagara Households have issues with Food Security. A positive project called “The Surplus Food Rescue Program” distributes foods that would otherwise go to waste, to vulnerable citizens.
Within my community we also have
a “Migrant Farmworkers Project” operating from Feb-Sept. A complimentary community meal is provided for the farm workers after Sunday Spanish Church Service They are able to connect with others over a meal. Living in their shanties without their family, balanced meals are not always available
Included in the photo of my finished Honey Cake are photos of my Baba in her Sunday best and many years later with her Great Grandson / my eldest Son ❤️