LEKACH (JEWISH HONEY CAKE)

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cup superfine sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple-pie spice mix
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup clear honey
4 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Grated rind of 1 orange
2 eggs
5 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger, or to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 10-by-8-by-2-inch pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, mixed spice and soda.

In a separate bowl, beat honey, oil, orange rind and eggs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the liquids. Beat with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until smooth. Add orange juice and stir in chopped ginger. Pour the cake into the prepared pan.

Bake for 50 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Cool in pan, turn out and wrap tightly in foil. Store at room temperature for 2 or 3 days before serving, to allow flavors of the cake to mature.

Makes about 8 servings
Adapted from source: The Jewish Heritage Cookbook by Marlena Spieler