CHRISTMAS DESSERT

Cranberry Upside Down Cake from Everyday Food


* 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
* 2 3/4 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
* 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/3 cup coarse cornmeal
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup almond paste
* 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs, separated
* 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup whole milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in center. Butter an 8-by-2-inch round cake pan. Line with a parchment circle cut to fit the 8-inch bottom, and butter the parchment. Coat with flour, tapping out excess; set aside. In a large skillet, heat 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat until sizzling. Add cranberries and toss to coat, about 1 minute.
2. Add maple syrup and cinnamon to skillet. Cook, stirring gently, just until cranberries begin to burst, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to the prepared pan. Return skillet with syrup to medium heat, and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Pour syrup over cranberries; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Place remaining 6 tablespoons butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Crumble in almond paste, and beat on medium speed until smooth and combined, about 30 seconds.
4. With mixer running, gradually add 3/4 cup sugar to butter mixture; beat until creamy. Add yolks, beat until combined. Beat in vanilla extract. Add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with milk. Set batter aside.
5. In a clean mixing bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and beat until soft peaks form. Whisk 1/3 of the egg whites into batter, and then fold in the remaining whites.
6. Spread batter over cranberries in pan, smoothing with an offset spatula, and bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 20 minutes. Invert cake onto a serving plate and serve at room temperature.