1/2 cup blanched whole almonds
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Grated peel of 1 orange
1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sliced almonds
Confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling





1. Preheat the oven to 325º. Butter and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Using a food processor, grind together the whole almonds and the granulated sugar. Transfer to a medium bowl. Beat in the eggs, butter, milk, honey, vanilla and orange peel until smooth.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt over the egg mixture and fold in until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Scatter the sliced almonds on top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer the cake to a rack to cool. Sift confectioners' sugar over the top just before serving.

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Praying for a 2009 summer baby