Pistachio Sponge Cake Recipe With Orange Syrup

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   Instructions:

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   Beat egg whites until frothy; add cream of tartar and beat at high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar; continue beating until stiff but not dry. Set aside.

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   Beat yolks about 3 minutes or until very thick and light in color. Add remaining sugar 1 tablespoon at a time; beat until thick. Add orange juice and peel; blend until smooth.

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   Thoroughly combine flour, finely chopped pistachios and salt; gently fold into egg yolk mixture until well-blended.

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   Fold yolk mixture into beaten whites.

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   Pour into 6 (5 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch) ungreased pans; cut through batter with spatula to remove air bubbles. Bake at 325 degrees F. 25 to 35 minutes or until cakes spring back when lightly touched.

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   Immediately invert pans on wire racks; cool completely. To remove cakes, loosen around edges of pans with knife. P.

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   our Orange Syrup over cakes; allow to sit until syrup is absorbed. Or, optionally frost with a Fluffy White Buttercream Icing. Garnish tops of cakes with chopped pistachios.

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   Orange Syrup:

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    Combine 3/4 cup each sugar and water and 1 teaspoon orange peel; bring to boil. Simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes; cool 10 minutes. Makes 1 cup.

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    Variation:

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    Orange Buttercream Icing can be substituted for Orange Syrup. Combine 3 cups powdered sugar, 6 tablespoons softened butter, 5 tablespoons half-and-half or milk and 1 teaspoon grated orange peel. Spread about 1/4 cup over top and sides of each cake. Garnish with chopped natural California pistachios. Makes 1 3/4 cups.

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    California Pistachio Commission.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.