Greek New Year's Orange and Brandy Cake (Vassilopita)

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 4 cups flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 orange, zest of, grated
• 1 lemon, zest of, grated
• 1/2 cup almond, whole, blanched

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 F, and grease a 10" round cake pan.

2. 2

   Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy (about 3 min). Add butter and beat an additional minute. Beat in orange juice and brandy.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and zests. Add the dry ingredients to the yolk mixture, and stir until thoroughly mixed.

4. 4

   Clean the beaters, and beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Fold them gently into the batter. Pour the batter into the cake pan and shake gently to even the top. Decorate the top with almonds (if making for the new year, write the year with the almonds).

5. 5

   Bake for about an hour, or until golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool before removing from the pan.