Hanukkah Nut Cake with Honey Syrup

Ingredients

Nut Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups finely chopped walnuts
• 1 cup dried dates, minced
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Honey Syrup

• 1 1/2 cups honey
• 1/2 cup water
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a 9-inch pan.
2. Nut Cake: The traditional way is to mix all dry ingredients on a board using your hands, rubbing and sifting them until well mixed. Make a mound and put a hole in the center. Pour oil and water in center and make into a dough. Knead the dough for about 1 minute.
3. Alternatively, put all the dry ingredients in a bowl, and mix well.
4. Add the oil and water and make a dough, kneed for 1 minute or so.
5. Place dough in prepared pan.
6. Bake for 1 hour.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool. After cake has cooked, make Honey Syrup.
8. Honey Syrup: In a pot over medium high heat cook honey, water, lemon juice and zest. Allow to reduce by 1/4.
9. Place cake in a shallow plate and with a fork, make holes all over the top of the cake.
10. Pour the warm syrup over the cake and allow to sit 1 hour before serving.