Honey Cake

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup hot, freshly brewed strong coffee
• 2 tablespoons good brandy
• 1 3/4 cups sifted bleached all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar

Directions

1. Set a rack in the upper third of the oven, then heat the oven to 325˚F. Coat a 3 1/2 by 5 1/2-inch loaf pan with oil, and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a paper loaf-pan liner.
2. Add the oil and honey to a small bowl. Pour the hot coffee over them and stir until the honey thins out, then mix in the brandy.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir the nuts into the flour mixture.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attached, beat the eggs until they are evenly mixed. Add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture turns pale, fluffy, and thick. Beat in the honey mixture.
5. Switch to a spoon or spatula and fold the dry ingredients in by hand. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the upper third of the oven for 55 minutes, keeping the oven door closed the whole time.
6. Leave the cake in the pan to cool for 15 minutes. Lift it out by the lining, then let it cool all the way. Remove the paper before you slice and serve it.