Lekach Honey Cake

Our lekach, a Jewish honey cake often exchanged at Yom Kippur, is distinctive and easy to make.

Ingredients

1/2 cup strong coffee
1 cup honey
1 Tablespoon brandy, optional
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

Combine coffee, honey and brandy; mix well. Beat eggs in mixing bowl. Add oil and brown sugar. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices; mix well. Add flour mixture and honey mixture alternately to egg mixture. Pour batter into greased 9-inch square pan. Bake at 300°F for 55 to 60 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

Makes 12 servings