Brasadel (Jewish Coffee Cake)

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup walnuts + additional 1/2 cup
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Cinnamon to taste

Instructions

1. Beat together the shortening, 1 cup sugar and eggs.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
3. Combine the mixtures.
4. Add sour cream and vanilla extractand beat together.
5. Add 3/4 cup nuts (the original recipe called for raisins).
6. Pour 1/2 of the batter into tube pan.
7. Sprinkle 1/2 cup nuts on top, then add the rest of the batter.
8. Mix 3/4 cup sugar and a little cinnamon and sprinkle on cake.
9. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 1 hour.

Notes

The family decorates the cake with maraschino cherry halves and walnut halves.