An alternative to pound cake that uses cornmeal for a denser taste and olive oil instead of butter. Serve it with seasonal fruits or lemon curd.

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Serves:

16

Ingredients

• 3 eggs at room temperature

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1⅔ cups whole milk

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp lemon zest

• 1½ cups flour, plus a little more for dusting the pan

• ½ cup cornmeal (coarse is better)

• ½ tsp each: baking powder and baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with oil, then sprinkle flour over it, tapping the bottom and sides until covered.

2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until blended well. Add milk, olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Stir well.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until blended. Take care not to overmix; allow lumps.

4. Pour batter into the cake pan. Place in center rack of oven. Check after 40 minutes. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes back clean or with just a few crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.

5. Run a knife around the perimeter and invert onto a serving plate. Serve with fruit, lemon curd, or eat it plain. Mangia!

Per 2 shells: 240 calories, 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates (1g fiber), 15g fat (3g sat fat, 12g mono/poly), 113mg sodium

Seasoned Cook
Zest the lemon first, then cut it for juicing. Bring cold eggs to room temperature quickly by placing whole eggs in a bowl of warm water.