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How about treating your family to a delicious almond cake?
In addition to being an excellent accompaniment to coffee or tea, this almond cake with a generous topping is a great way to incorporate nuts into your diet.
And if you can't resist a slice of cake for breakfast, this almond cake has the perfect amount of sweetness to start the day full of energy.
After all, the benefits of regularly consuming nuts are widely known, and the good news is that almonds are available year-round in Portugal.
Learn about almond production in Portugal, as well as the benefits of regular consumption.
You'll also find our almond cake recipe in this article, which, after a few tries, we realized is a favorite in our home. Enjoy!
Portugal and Almond Production
Portugal is known not only for its characteristic landscapes but also for its gastronomy and production of high-quality foods.
Among these treasures of national agriculture are almonds, a crop that has a long tradition in the country.
Portugal has two main regions for almond production, each contributing its own nuances of flavor and quality.
In the north, the Douro Valley stands out as an area of high-quality almond production, benefiting from the Mediterranean climate and ideal soil conditions.
On the other hand, in the south, in the Algarve, you will find another favorable area for almond production, with almonds being cultivated in the fertile lands along the coast.
The cultivation of almonds in Portugal follows a process that benefits from the accumulated knowledge of those dedicated to its production, from planting to harvesting.
In fact, farmers employ traditional techniques in conjunction with modern industry recommendations to ensure both the healthy growth of almonds, including the selection of suitable varieties, and efficient irrigation management and protection against pests and diseases.
The harvest of this fruit usually takes place between August and September, when almonds reach maturity and are ready to be harvested manually or with the help of machines.
What are the benefits of regular almond consumption?
It seems to be consensual that regular almond consumption results in a series of health benefits, making them a valuable component for maintaining a balanced diet.
In fact, these small nuts are packed with essential nutrients and beneficial compounds that promote overall body well-being, as well as being very tasty.
Almonds are an excellent source of essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Vitamin E, for example, acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against damage caused by free radicals, while magnesium promotes bone and muscle health.
Furthermore, almonds are known for their potential to promote cardiovascular health, as their content of unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
Studies also show that moderate almond consumption can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. This is because the fiber and protein in almonds help stabilize blood glucose levels and prevent sugar spikes after meals.
Finally, the antioxidants present in almonds, along with omega-3 fatty acids, can help improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.
With so many associated benefits, it is understandable why so many people decide to include almonds regularly in their diet, even leading some to consider them a superfood.
Our Almond Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
9 eggs
400 g sugar
100 g self-rising flour
100 g potato starch
1 teaspoon baking powder
Butter for greasing
For the filling and topping: 200 g sliced and toasted almonds
For the buttercream: beat 3 egg yolks with 125 g fine sugar and 250 g butter.
Preparation:
Using a mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until fluffy.
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold them into the previous mixture with a wooden spoon.
Add the sifted flour and potato starch to prevent lumps, and finally, the baking powder.
Pour the batter into a buttered pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180ºC for about 30 minutes (check for doneness with a toothpick).
Remove from the pan and let it cool.
Once cooled, cut the cake and divide it into two equal parts.
Spread one part with the buttercream and sprinkle with some sliced and toasted almonds. Place the other part of the cake on top.
Coat the cake with the remaining buttercream and spread the sliced and toasted almonds on top of the cream.
Indulge yourself at home with other Portuguese desserts
We can't resist a sweet treat from time to time, as we believe they are part of a balanced diet, as long as it's not overdone.
We also have the privilege of growing up with our grandmothers preparing traditionally Portuguese dessert recipes.
And since we want to share a bit of our traditions with you, we've already posted other recipes for cakes and sweets from Portugal.
So, if you're looking for suggestions for your sweet adventures in the kitchen, here are some of our recommendations:
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Condensed Milk Pudding: An Indulgent Dessert on Portuguese Tables
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Walnut cake: Learn to Make this Typically Portuguese Recipe
And for those who value 100% Portuguese products, we recommend checking out our online store with the best of filigree jewelry, women's handbags, and handicraft from Portugal.
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