Walnut Cakes, a delightful treat rich in flavor and texture, offer a journey through time and taste. These cakes embody the art of combining simple ingredients like walnuts with skilled baking techniques to create a delectable dessert. The history of Walnut Cakes reflects a tradition of celebrating nuts in culinary practices, highlighting the balance of sweet and nutty flavors that have delighted generations.

Nuts have been a part of human diets since ancient times, celebrated for their taste and nutritional value. Walnut Cakes are a continuation of this age-old tradition, embracing the crunch and flavor of walnuts to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

Throughout history, nuts held a special place in various cultures. They were often included in cakes to add texture, richness, and nutritional value. Walnut Cakes became particularly popular in regions where walnuts were abundant, and they were often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings.

The recipe provided captures the essence of this tradition, offering a delightful combination of walnuts, Crisco, and other simple ingredients. The boiled frosting adds an elegant touch, enhancing the cakes’ appearance and taste.

INGREDIENTS

For Cakes:

• 1 cupful sugar
• 1/2 cupful Crisco (shortening)
• 1 cupful milk or water
• 1/2 teaspoonful salt
• 2 cupfuls flour
• 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
• 1 whole egg and 2 yolks of eggs
• 1 cupful chopped walnut meats
• 1 teaspoonful vanilla extract

For Frosting:

• 1 cupful sugar
• 1 cupful water
• 2 whites of eggs
• Pinch of cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoonful lemon juice
• 1 teaspoonful vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

For Cakes:

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
2. Grease and flour gem pans using Crisco.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the Crisco and sugar together until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the well-beaten eggs, salt, vanilla extract, milk or water, baking powder, and flour to the bowl. Mix well to create a smooth batter.
5. Gently fold in the chopped walnut meats, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Divide the batter into the prepared gem pans, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for approximately ten minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
8. Once the cakes are baked, allow them to cool completely.

For Frosting:

1. Dissolve the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the cream of tartar and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the syrup forms a soft ball when tested in cold water, or reaches a temperature of 240°F (115°C).
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites while continuously beating.
5. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until the frosting becomes thick and glossy.
6. Once the cakes are completely cooled, cover them with the prepared boiled frosting.

NOTE:

• This recipe yields approximately fifteen delicious Walnut Cakes. The combination of Crisco, walnuts, and the fluffy boiled frosting creates a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that pays homage to the history and tradition of nut-based desserts.