Have you ever heard of a Sicilian cake called "pan d'arancio"? The pan d'arancio (literally orange bread) is a typical cake prepared in the province of Palermo that eminently combines two typical products that Sicily offers during the winter and the spring season: oranges and almonds.
It is a soft orange-flavored sponge, perfect for any occasion: a birthday, a rich breakfast or a Sunday afternoon tea with family and friends.
It has an extremely delicate taste and it can be served either with a sprinkle of icing sugar or with a bit of more character, the proper orange icing on top.
It's absolutely delicious!
Ingredients and preparation:
200 gr. 00 raising flour
100 gr. ground almonds
150 gr. caster sugar
150 gr. butter
1 large orange (zest and juice)
3 eggs
For the icing:
100 gr. icing sugar
the juice from 1 orange

To check the cake open the oven after 30 minutes (never before) and try it with a wooden stick to see if it's still uncooked or humid in the middle. Try again, if required, a second time after 10 minutes.
Prepare the icing in a plate by melting the orange juice with the icing sugar until you get a semithick icing that you can pour on top of the cake and on the side using a spatula. You can also decorate it with small orange candies on top.
You will find that this typical cake not only is exquisite but is also extremely genuine. Enjoy!
To see a lighter version of the Pan d'arancio click HERE