This time of the year always takes me back to my days spent in Shillong, a tiny hill station in northeastern part of India. It was scenic, pollution free, pleasant and always much cooler than tropical India. That’s where I was born and spent a reasonable amount of time; learning, making mistakes and growing up. Even though I moved away after my graduation and my parents moved away after Dad retired, I still like to call Shillong as my hometown.
We had a plum tree, pear tree and orange tree in our backyard. Actually, every other house in Shillong had an orange tree. I noticed the same thing when I moved to this part of California. It always makes the streets look so brighter and lets not forget the refreshing citrus aroma that it spreads around. Winter is cold in Shillong and after lunch, we all would sit outside, soak up the sun and munch on sweet juicy oranges. It was our favorite winter snack.
Unlike most schools in India, we had longer winter vacations because of the freezing temperature. More than half of the population is Christian and that made Christmas a very special festival in Shillong. We would wake up listening to Christmas carols playing in our landlord’s house that was right above ours. Everyone dressed up beautifully and everyone was so happy. We didn’t celebrate Christmas in a traditional way. There was no Christmas tree but there was always the smell of cake. Mom’s vanilla cake was our traditional Christmas treat. Of course, later at night, we would visit our Landlord’s house, gobble up all the delicious dishes and eat some more fruitcake.
It’s been a really long time since I last visited Shillong but these memories always feel so fresh!
My brother baked a rich rum fruitcake this Christmas that he promises to bake for me once I visit home. I took a lighter path and baked an orange mint almond cake. The combination of citrus with mint makes the cake so flavorful and almond flour adds the nutty texture. And if you are like me, you won’t mind some hot chocolate on the side to wash down the cake. Tea or coffee can wait, it’s holiday season after all.
Orange Mint Almond Cake
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- zest of one orange
- juice of one orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup sliced almond for garnish
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350F and grease a 6-inch round pan with oil. Dust a little flour on all sides of the baking pan and throw any excess flour away.
- Whisk eggs and sugar until they’re combined together. Add oil and whisk once again.
- In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour with almond flour, baking powder and salt. Pour this mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until it’s all mixed together. Add orange zest, juice, chopped fresh mint and vanilla extract. Whisk once again.
- Pour batter in the pan and bake it for about 35 to 40 minutes or until the cake is baked through. Poke a knife in the center and if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let it cool for 5 minutes before you take it out of the pan.
This year has been a mixed bag for us but then again, what’s life without few a roller-coaster rides in between. I am looking forward to what’s in store for the next year and wishing you all lots of joy, laughter and happiness!
Make 2014 the way you want it and live every moment with hope and smile!
Comments are closed.
Reem
December 26, 2013 at 8:40 PMPretty! !!
This is such a pretty post n gorgeously pretty pics!!!
Reem
December 26, 2013 at 8:41 PMN that plate… Love!!!!
seda
December 27, 2013 at 12:07 AMAren’t they clementine or mandarin? The pics seem so refreshing 🙂
Sarvani
December 27, 2013 at 1:20 AMI was just looking at an orange almond cake recipe last night.. this looks just lovely!! and me wants the cuppy too.. that says “i’m soo happy’!!
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December 27, 2013 at 1:53 AMA delightful and beautiful cake!
Happy New Year!
Angie
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December 27, 2013 at 2:26 AMOrange and mint sounds like such a flavorful combination. Beautiful pictures. Happy new year!
Anna @ Crunchy Cream
December 27, 2013 at 8:15 AMBeautiful!! The flavors combination is just genius!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
December 27, 2013 at 11:58 AMI love orange cakes, this is just lovely!
IshitaUnblogged
December 27, 2013 at 1:25 PMAbsolute beauty Kankana… wishing you a Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year! Love the plate:)
Asha
December 27, 2013 at 8:48 PMLovely pics, the cake looks very inviting!
Eileen
December 28, 2013 at 2:32 PMThis cake sounds so delicious and easy! Mint, orange, and almond are such a surprising yet clearly great combination.
Anita Menon
December 29, 2013 at 2:11 AMI am so jealous you spent your childhood in Shillong. Must be so so beautiful and picturesque.
The cake pictures are beyond gorgeous! Happy New year in advance
Kiran
December 30, 2013 at 4:17 AMYummy! Love the flavors in this cake. Happy New Year, sweets!
Yvette @ Muy Bueno
December 30, 2013 at 10:33 AMSuch a beautiful post and gorgeous photos. Have a wonderful new year. Salud to a fabulous 2014!
afracooking
January 1, 2014 at 12:51 PMHey, just wanted to let you know that I LOVED your recipe for the ginger lemongrass basil spritzer – I cannot add comments to that post any more, but I had to let you know that I loved it so much I actually posted it on my own blog. You really have some great recipes on your blog – glad I discovererd you! Happy New Year and best wishes!
Medha
January 1, 2014 at 1:08 PMAlmond cakes are my weakness! Love the touch of orange zest and juice! Love your photography- gorgeous pictures as always:)
nipponnin
January 2, 2014 at 8:56 PMVery nice! Your food photos are incredibly beautiful!!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
jehanne
January 3, 2014 at 6:16 AMHappy new Year to you, Kankana! I always love your stories, and this one is heartwarming..nostalgic just like what I remember best about my little hometown 🙂 ( no orange tree though!). Hope this year brings more happiness for you and family. x
Mallika
January 4, 2014 at 1:13 PMDelightful photos. Makes me want to jump at the cake! Happy 2014 to you and your family – what’s life without a a rollercoaster ride or two I say!!
Rosa
January 7, 2014 at 10:28 AMHeavenly! That is such a great combination of flavors.
Cheers,
Rosa
Liren
January 12, 2014 at 7:52 AMWhat beautiful memories to accompany a beautiful cake, Kankana! Thank you for taking us to Shillong with us, it sounds like such a lovely place to grow up. I hope you get your fruitcake soon 🙂
CK
January 21, 2014 at 6:50 PMJust made this as a glutenfree cake- it didn’t rise quite as high as yours, but it was so delicious! Thanks for the great story and inspiration!
-CK
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