For the cake batter: 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups unsalted butter or margarine, softened
5 cups whole milk almonds
10 egg whites and 5 yolks
2 1/2 tablespoons orange extract (found in supermarket jars)
5 tablespoons grated orange peel
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
For the filling: 1 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons almond or vanilla extract
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
10 to 12 tablespoons heavy cream or 2 egg yolks
2 cups sliced and chopped almonds
For the cake batter: 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups unsalted butter or margarine, softened
5 cups whole milk almonds
10 egg whites and 5 yolks
2 1/2 tablespoons orange extract (found in supermarket jars)
5 tablespoons grated orange peel
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
For the filling: 1 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons almond or vanilla extract
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
10 to 12 tablespoons heavy cream or 2 egg yolks
2 cups sliced and chopped almonds
To make the cake: Combine the flour and yeast
Beat the butter or margarine with the almonds
Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition
Add the orange extract and grated peel
Alternate adding dry ingredients and heavy cream, beating well between each addition
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and carefully fold them into the batter
Grease the bottoms and sides of 4 forms (one 30 cm diameter, two 25 cm, and one 20 cm) and refrigerate three, baking one in a moderate oven until a toothpick comes out clean
Remove from oven and let cool
Unmold and let cool completely
Cut each cake in half lengthwise and fill
To make the filling: Beat the butter until light and fluffy
Add the almond or vanilla extract and confectioners' sugar
Beat well
Add part of the heavy cream, or 1 egg yolk, and mix well
Add the remaining heavy cream, or more beaten egg yolk, gradually until a good consistency is reached
Add the chopped almonds and 5 tablespoons of heavy cream
Cover with Royal Icing, decorating with sacs of confetti
The bells are purchased in party supply stores
They are made of plastic and coated with icing
Decorate with ribbons and flowerettes, matching the table settings or bridesmaid dresses.
