Portuguese Honey Cakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg 1 large egg

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, milk, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cake.
6. 6.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. Opt for a floral or mild honey variety to complement the other ingredients.
• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any unwanted chemicals.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled cakes with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
• Serve the Portuguese Honey Cakes with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Store the cakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Serving advice

Serve the Portuguese Honey Cakes as a delightful dessert after a Portuguese-inspired meal. They can also be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet afternoon treat.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cakes on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of orange for a pop of color.