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Angel Food Cake
Ready In: 85 Minutes
Prep Time: 35 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes
Serves 4
DIRECTIONS
Make sure the egg whites are allowed to warm to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Sift the flour, measure, and sift 5 or 6 more times with 1/2 cup sugar and the salt. Hold sifter high when sifting to incorporate as much air as possible.
Beat the egg whites in a large, very clean bowl or on a large, very clean platter. If using the bowl, a frilled whip, rotary beater, or electric beater can be used. For the platter, a frilled whip is necessary.
When the egg whites are foamy, add the cream of tartar and beat in the liquid. When the bubbles are uniform, start adding 1 cup sugar a few tablespoons at a time. Add the flavoring while adding the sugar. Beat until the egg whites will hold stiff peaks and the sugar is dissolved.
Fold in the flour while sifting or spooning it over the egg whites. This can be done with a rubber spatula or frilled whip, using a down-the-side and up-through-the-batter motion. Turn the bowl to incorporate evenly. When the flour is thoroughly combined but not overmixed, turn the batter into a 10-inch tube pan (or use two bread pans). The pan must be absolutely free of grease, for the cake must cling to the sides as it rises.
Bake the tube pan about 50 minutes, loaf pans about 45. Test by pressing lightly in the center - if the cake springs back it is done. Remove from oven and invert the pan until the cake cools - the edges of the pan must be lifted at least an inch or so while it cools.
Many pans are equipped with legs for this purpose. Otherwise, rest the pan upside clown on the edges of three or four teacups, or put the tube over a bottle neck to hang the cake. When the cake is cool it can be removed by pulling from the sides of the pan with a fork.
Frost or leave plain as you prefer. To serve the cake, pierce it with a fork at intervals to mark the portions, then pull apart with two forks. The cake will mash if cut in the usual fashion.