Italian Sour Cream Saronno Cake

Italian Sour Cream Saronno Cake

Authors note: Many voyagers who visited Italy became interested in this delicious cake. Perhaps the company that produces the popular Amaretto di Saronno liqueur also introduced the recipe.

2 eggs, separated
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons ground pecans or walnuts
1 pkg. pudding included butter recipe cake mix
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water
2 eggs
1/2 cup Amaretto di Saronno liqueur
6 maraschino cherries
Glaze (recipe below)

In a small bowl, beat 2 egg whites until foam. Gradually add brown sugar.
Beat until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Fold in coconut and ground
nuts. Spread meringue on bottom and up sides of generously greased 10-inch
tube pan to within 1 inch of the top of the pan. In large bowl, blend cake
mix, sour cream, Amaretto, water, whole eggs, and remaining 2 egg yolks at
low speed until moistened. Beat 2 min. at high speed. Pour batter evenly on
top of meringue in pan.

Bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes until done (use toothpick test). Cool upright
in pan for 10 minutes. Loosen sides and invest into serving plate. Cool
completely. Spoon glaze over top of cake, allowing some to run down sides.
Sprinkle with remaining 2 teaspoons ground nuts and garnish with cherries.

GLAZE:
1 cup sifted confectioners/powdered sugar
2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
2-4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 tablespoon butter/margarine - softened

In a small bowl, blend all ingredients until smooth