Galician Almond Torte (Torta de Almendras Santiago)

This is usually decorated with a stenciled cross of Santiago de Compostela on the top.

1 pound blanched, skinless almonds or almond powder
10 tablespoons butter
2 cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
Confectioners' sugar

Toast the almonds in a preheated 350 degree F oven until light golden brown. Process in a food processor until finely ground.

Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour, ground almonds and lemon zest and stir just until mixed. Pour into a greased and floured springform pan and bake until a knife blade inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour.

Cool for 15 minutes, then pour the lemon juice over the surface. Remove from the pan and cool on a rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Serves 10 to 12.