Cous Cous Cake
This is a deliciously healthy and very simple cake to make. It is vegan and raw with apple juice as the only sweetener. This cake is my mom’s specialty and has been ever since I was a little girl. When I was old enough to help it was always a collaborative piece. She would make the cake, I would add the jam, the almonds, the berries and of course an array of flowers I picked from the neighbors yards. I never made it alone until I was living in Italy last year and I missed my mom’s cooking. When I made it the first time I was amazed at how simple it was to make. However, I will say, it is important to follow the proportions and directions correctly. I don’t follow recipes well and as a result it has turned out a bit mushier than desired.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cous cous
- 1 cup skinned almonds
- 4 1/2 cups apple juice(not sweetened)
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp almond extract
- I have even experimented with adding 1 tsp of orange extract as well but like the plain almond the best
To skin almonds, boil 2 cups of water, pour almonds into boiling water and remove from heat. Allow almonds to sit in water for 5 minutes. If water is too hot to stick your fingers into, add a little cold water. By now the almonds will slip right out of skins. Cream almonds in a blender or food processor with 1-2 cups of the apple juice. Place cous cous, almond cream, the rest of apple juice, and a pinch of salt in a pot and bring to boil. Then lower flame, simmer for 15-20 minutes while stirring frequently. At the end add almond extract and pour mixture in baking pan.
This cake does not get baked, just allow to cool and the cake will be firm to cut.
Raspberry topping:
Spread raspberry jam on top of the cake then add berries around the edges. Roast almonds then finely chop and put them on top of jam, adds a nice crunchy texture. We like to use a heart shaped pan, but any one will do. If you are taking it to a party of even if you are eating it at home, I invite you to take a walk around the neighborhood, smell the flowers and pick a few to decorate the cake with. This is our tradition and I hope you adopt it as well.
-L
