Blessed Litha (Summer Solstice)!

I don't recall where I first found this recipe, but we make this cake for Litha every year now and it's part of our ritual. This cake is hearty and delicious!

Litha Nut Cake with Honey Syrup

3 cups flour
3 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped cashews
1 cup dried dates, minced
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
For the syrup:
1 1/2 cups honey
1/2 cup water
Juice of 1 small lemon
1/2 tsp grated lemon

Making the nut cake:
The way to make the cake is to mix it on a board, using your hands, but you can also mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Either way, you first combine the dry ingredients. Make a mound with a well in the centre. Pour the oil and water slowly into the well, then mix again. Knead the dough for about a minute; don't knead too long or the texture of the cakes will be gluey. Grease a 9" pan with oil. Press the dough gently into the pan. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for one hour. Remove, and allow to cool.

Making the honey syrup:
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Allow the liquid to reduce by 1/4.Next, place the cooled nut cake onto a shallow plate or serving tray. With a fork, make small holes over the top of the cake. Slowly pour the warm syrup over the cake, and allow to sit for one hour. Serve with chamomile iced tea. Enjoy!

Chamomile Lemonade Iced Tea
4 teaspoons of dried Chamomile flowers
2 teaspoons green tea leaves
4 cups cold water
1 cup sugar
4 cups prepared lemonade
Steep Chamomile and green tea in cold water for 2-3 hours in refrigerator. Squeeze and remove tea bags. Add sugar, stir to dissolve. Add lemonade, stir and add ice. Makes a * gallon of iced tea.