Cake with Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds are tiny blue-gray, sometimes ivory-colored seeds that are harvested from the poppy flower. Poppy seeds make a delicious and one-of-a-kind cake giving it just the right amount of nuttiness. It has a pleasantly subtle crunch that is quite unforgettable when you bite into it. Poppy seeds are often used in European and Indian cooking. They add color, flavor and texture to a wide array of savory and sweet dishes and are commonly used in breads and in other baked goods. In this case it is used to make cake. To make this recipe the other ingredients used include eggs, apple juice, butter, lemon, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

The blue or black poppy seeds are the ones often used for baking. They are added to cakes, breads, muffins, cookies, and bagels. To make this recipe black poppy seeds are used. Black or blue poppy seeds are also delicious sprinkled on salads and used in salad dressings, added in pastas, fish, meats, and vegetables. White poppy seeds are less common and they are more often used in Indian cuisine like curries. They can be found in many Indian grocers. Although the poppy flower where the seeds are derived from is also the source of opium, the seeds do not have the alkaloids that make up the narcotic opium.

Poppy seeds can be bought whole and dried in many health food stores. They are often sold as a health food rich in calcium, magnesium, and fiber although they are not exactly low in calories and are similar in energy content as chocolates. They can also be found in the spice aisle of the grocery. Poppy seeds must be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. You can also store the poppy seeds in the refrigerator to keep them longer and prevent them from turning rancid.

Ingredients

2 large eggs, well beaten
50ml apple juice
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon zest - grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon rich vanilla extract
200gms all-purpose flour
1/3 cup poppy seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt

1. Beat the eggs until frothy in a large bowl. Then add the juice, butter, lemon peel, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

2. Mix together all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until well blended. Then pour the batter into a greased baking pan.

4. Bake in a 185 degree F. preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve at room temperature.