Vineterta (Vienna Torte)

Amethyst42's Note:

In Manitoba, where I live, there is a significant population of Icelandic heritage. Thus, this recipe is a popular one on dainty trays in my area. Here is the story of Vineterta as told by my mother's recipe book, "Through the Years", from the Selkirk Ladies Hospital Auxiliary (1982): "Vineterte is known to us as an Icelandic Cake., sine it was introduced to us by the Icelandic settlers who came here a hundred years ago. Vinaterta is also known as Wine Torte.However, we recall a story regarding the origin of this cake. It was said to have originated in Vienna. In those days before Iceland had it's own university, students went to Vienna to study. There they were introduced to this famous torte. It is a popular cake, especially at Christmas time when it is cut into small slices and served on a tray of holiday dainties and cakes."

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 16

Yield: 1.0 cake

cake

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups berry sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom seed
• 3 tablespoons half-and-half cream
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

filling

• 1 lb prune, cooked and stones removed
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup prune juice

Directions:

1. Cream butter well, then add sugar gradually, beating hard after each addition. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and cardamom. Add small amount to creamed mixture. Mix in cream and almond extract. Now work in as much flour as possible.
3. Turn out onto pastry cloth and knead in any remaining flour. Divide dough into 5 parts and pat each part into a 9-inch greased layer pan. Bake at 375 until delicate brown.
4. To assemble filling: Put prunes through food processor or mill, then add sugar, prune liquid and cinnamon. Cook until thickened, then add vanilla.
5. Let cool, and then spread between layers of torte.
6. Top cake with a thin layer of vanilla icing. Let the torte stand for a couple of days before serving to allow the cake to soften. Serve in small slices.