Lori Leckman's Lemon-Madeira Cake

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Step 2

   Line two loaf pans (approximately 10-inch-by-6-inch) with buttered baking parchment, and dust with flour.

3. Step 3

   Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Combine flour and baking powder.

4. Step 4

   Beat the eggs. Add eggs gradually to the butter, beating well with a wooden spoon. If the mixture shows signs of curdling add a spoonful of flour.

5. Step 5

   Gradually mix in the almonds, lemon peel and lemon zests. The mixture may require a little milk to reach the ''dropping'' consistency: that is, thick enough to require a sharp tap to dislodge it from the spoon, but not light enough to pour.

6. Step 6

   Distribute batter evenly in the loaf pans - it should reach a little more than half way up the sides. Bake for 1½ hours at 325 degrees, then reduce oven to 300 and bake another hour. Test by inserting a warm knife in the center: if it comes out clean the cake is done. Let the cake cool in its tin.