Where can I find a recipe for a good Moroccan serpent cake?

Question

Where can I find a recipe for a good Moroccan serpent cake?

Answer 1

Almond Serpent Cake - M'hanncha

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

Almond Paste:

1 cup (200g) ground almonds

1/2 cup (100g) icing/confectioners sugar

1 egg white, lightly beaten

2 tsp grated lemon rind

1/4 tsp almond extract

1 tbsp orange flower/rose water

Pastry:

9 sheets of filo pastry

4 tbsp unsalted clarified butter

1 egg yolk

2 tbsp icing/confectioners sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

METHOD:

1. Place ground almond meal in a bowl and sift in the icing sugar. Add the beaten egg white, almond extract and orange flower/rose water and mix into a firm pliable paste. Pat out into an even shape and cut into 3 even pieces.

2. Sprinkle a work surface with icing/confectioners sugar and roll 1 piece of almond paste into a long sausage shape. Pinch along the "sausage" to extend it to 18 inches (45cm) long and 1/2 inch (1cm) thick. Repeat with the 2 remaining pieces. Line an 8 inch (20 cm) round cake pan or flan pan with baking paper.

3. Place a sheet of filo on a work surface, long side in front of you and brush with warm clarified butter. Place a second sheet on top and brush with butter. Place 1 almond strip 2 inches (5 cm) in from the edge, fold filo over the almond roll and roll to the end, brush with butter, then form a coil and place in the centre of the prepared pan. Form 2 more filo almond rolls and continue to coil. Brush with egg yolk beaten with a little water and place in a preheated oven of 375-400F, bake for 30 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven, place on an oven tray, remove the paper and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Invert onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Slide onto a serving plate, sieve icing sugar on top and sprinkle with cinnamon around the edge to form a border. Cut into wedges and serve.