Elder Almond Pound Cake

From: The Regal Elder Part II by Kristen Rasmussen Vasquez

This nutty loaf cake uses both elderflower cordial and elderberries for the complete elder experience. Any sweet syrup can be substituted for elderflower cordial and other berries for elderberries, if you only happen to have one of the gifts from the elder tree on hand.

Serves 8

¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
6 tablespoons elderflower cordial*, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup almond meal
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh elderberries, washed and dried (may be previously frozen, can use other berries if needed)
1 cup whipped cream or crème fraîche (optional)

Grease one 9- by 5-inch loaf pan (or 4 mini loaf pans) and preheat the oven to 350°.

Cream the butter and granulated sugar until they are light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then incorporate the yogurt and 3 tablespoons of the elderflower cordial.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, almond meal, baking powder, and salt and slowly whisk this into the wet mixture until incorporated. Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan(s). Toss elderberries with remaining 3 tablespoons elderflower cordial and spread evenly over the batter in the loaf pan(s), followed by the remaining batter. Bake for 1 hour or 30 minutes if using the mini loaf pans. Cake is done when top reaches a golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Remove cake(s) from loaf pan(s), slice into pieces to reveal berry layer, and serve with optional whipped cream or crème fraîche.

*See Edible East Bay Summer 2016 issue for edlerflower cordial recipe, or use St-Germaine or any other sweet syrup.