Old Hartford Election Cake

A recipe from the days when only men had the right to vote. Election cake was traditionally served on Election Day, which was also Muster Day in New England. Muster Day was held twice a year, in accordance with the law, providing the spectacle of the community's militia on parade in full uniform. Everyone turned out to see the parade followed by the sham battle in "defense" of the hill. From the US Regional Cookbook, Chicago Culinary Arts Institute, 1947. Overnight rising not included in preparation time.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Yields: 1 large loaf

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon  yeast
• 1⁄2 cup  lukewarm water
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄4 cups  sifted flour
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  eggs, well beaten
• 1  cup raisins
• 1⁄4 cup  sliced citron
• 1  teaspoon  grated lemon rind
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 3⁄4 cup flour
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  grated nutmeg
• 1⁄2 cup brandy
• 3⁄4 cup confectioners' sugar
•  water

Directions

1. Soften yeast in lukewarm water and add the next four ingredients, mixing well.
2. Set aside to rise overnight.
3. Blend the 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until light.
4. Add eggs, raisins, citron, lemon rind and lemon juice.
5. Sift remaining 3/4 cup of flour, soda, salt and nutmeg; add to batter alternatively with brandy.
6. Combine the raised yeast batter with the cake batter, pour into a well-greased bread pan and let rise in a warm place about one hour.
7. While the cake is rising, preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Bake for one hour.
9. Mix confectioner's sugar with just enough water to make a thin icing.
10. Cool cake slightly and drizzle icing over the top.