Name: Best Poppy Seed Chiffon Cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup poppy seeds; 1 cup water; 8 eggs, separated; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup canola oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; GLAZE:; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/4 cup 2% milk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; Edible flowers, optional

This attractive cake never seems to fail, and it’s very moist. It’s a great choice for that special birthday celebration. —Marilyn Beck, Medicine Hat, Alberta

Ingredients

1/2 cup poppy seeds

1 cup water

8 eggs, separated

2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup canola oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

GLAZE:

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 cup 2% milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Edible flowers, optional

Instructions

1 In a small bowl, soak poppy seeds in water 1 hour. Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

2 Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda together twice; place in another large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, oil, vanilla and poppy seed mixture. Add to flour mixture; beat until well blended.

3 Add cream of tartar to egg whites; with clean beaters, beat on high speed just until stiff but not dry. Fold a fourth of the whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites.

4 Gently transfer to an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on lowest oven rack 50-55 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely in pan, about 1 hour. Run a knife around sides and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate.

5 In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, milk, butter and vanilla; pour over cake. If desired, top with flowers.