GOODNESS
Cinnamon: Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen, just like its cousin cassia. It has an ancient pedigree, even being used to embalm a few pharaohs. That may not sound appetizing, but it has been found to be good for the heart, the stomach and the joints. Not impressed yet? Well consider that it also seems to mimic insulin and therefore helps diabetics moderate their sugar levels. So don't be shy with this tasty and healthy spice.
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Recipe

Fudgy Orange-Summer Squash Cake with Orange Glaze

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 70

ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 cups grated summer squash
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • calendula blossoms and petals, tuberous begonia blossoms, or orange mint sprigs, for garnish
  • Orange Glaze 1 1/4 cups sifted confectioner' sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together and set aside. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla and milk to the butter mixture. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Fold in the summer squash, orange zest and nuts. Pour into a greased and floured bundt cake pan.Bake 55 minutes. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before turning out onto a rack.

To make the glaze, in abowl mix together the sugar, orange juice and vanilla. While the cake is still warm, drizzle with the glaze. Garnish with flowers or mint spigs.