Rich Almond Cake

Ingredients

 * 2 cups natural almonds (10 oz)
 * 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
 * 1 tbsp grated orange peel
 * 8 large egg whites
 * ½ tsp salt
 * 6 tbsp all-purpose flour, sifted
 * confectioners' sugar (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 350°F.
 * 2) butter and flour a 8½-inch round spring-form pan.
 * 3) Line bottom with waxed paper.
 * 4) In food processor, pulse almonds until finely ground (it is important not to over grind and produce a paste)
 * 5) Transfer almonds to a bowl and add sugar and orange peel; mix well.
 * 6) In large bowl, using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites and salt until stiff peaks are formed.
 * 7) Fold in almonds a little at a time.
 * 8) Take care not to over mix.
 * 9) Sift flour again, a little at a time, over mixture and gently fold in.
 * 10) Transfer mixture to prepared pan.
 * 11) Bake in center of oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
 * 12) Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes before releasing from pan.
 * 13) Cool completely on a wire rack.
 * 14) Transfer cake to serving plate and dust top with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
 * 15) Serve in a pool of Cranberry-Orange Compote.