Simnel Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Line cake pans with parchment paper.
2. 2
   In a large bowl combine almonds, raisins, candied cherries, candied orange peel, candied ginger, zests and whiskey. Marinate for 1 hour.
3. 3
   Knead the almond paste to make it more flexible and then roll it out with a rolling pin.
4. 4
   Cut 2 circles of almond paste the size of your mold (1 cm thick) and for 11 small balls to decorate the top.
5. 5
   Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
6. 6
   With an electric mixer, beat the butter to make it softer, add sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
7. 7
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
8. 8
   Add flour, ground almonds and ground spices.
9. 9
   Wash, peel and grate the apple, add it to the mixture.
10. 10
    Add the soaked dried fruits and stir gently.
11. 11
    Pour half of the batter into a cake pan, top with a layer of almond paste.
12. 12
    Cover the cake withe the remaining batter.
13. 13
    Cover the surface with parchment paper.
14. 14
    Bake it for about 1 hour.
15. 15
    Lower the oven temperature to 170 C and keep baking for about 2- 2.5 hours, until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
16. 16
    Let the cake cool down.
17. 17
    Preheat oven at 200 C.
18. 18
    Separate the remaining egg.
19. 19
    Brush the cold cake with the beaten egg white.
20. 20
    Remove the almond marzipan disc to cover the cake.
21. 21
    Press lightly with the palm of the hand.
22. 22
    Brush the circle with the beaten egg yolk diluted with 1 teaspoon of water.
23. 23
    Glaze each marzipan ball with a brush and then place it gently on top of the cake.
24. 24
    Bake for 15 to 20 minutes to make it colorful.
25. 25
    Let it cool down before serving.