Lemon Poundcake

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, line with parchment or waxed paper. Grease paper. Grate zest of 4 lemons; slice tops and bottoms off 3 (reserve fourth). Stand lemons on end on a cutting board, and cut away white pith until the flesh is exposed. Over a bowl, cut segments from membranes, letting fruit and juice fall into bowl (remove seeds). With fork, break segments into 1-inch pieces.

2. Step 2

   Sift flour, superfine sugar and baking powder into the bowl of an electric mixer. Begin mixing on low speed, then add crème fraîche or cream. Increase speed to medium, and beat in eggs, one at a time, then butter. Gently fold lemon segments and juices and 3 tablespoons zest into batter. Scrape into pan, and bake 15 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut an incision lengthwise down middle of cake, and bake 30 minutes longer. Lower oven to 325 degrees, and bake 40 to 45 minutes longer, or until a tester comes out clean.

3. Step 3

   Meanwhile, juice the remaining 6 lemons. Put granulated and confectioners' sugars in a pot, and add 1½ cups water. Bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Stir in lemon juice and remaining zest, and let cool.

4. Step 4

   When cake is done, put pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Raise oven to 350 degrees. Unmold cake, and transfer it to a pie pan or deep dish. Pour lemon syrup over cake, and very gently squeeze the cake to help it absorb syrup. Carefully turn cake upside down in syrup, and squeeze a bit more. Put cake on a baking sheet; return to oven for 10 minutes. Cool on a rack.

5. Step 5

   To serve, lightly toast ½-inch slices of the cake. If desired, put raspberry coulis on each serving plate. Place two slices of cake on top and a scoop of mint ice on top of cake.