Spiced honey cake (Piernik)

Tags: Wischik, Christmas, made, cake, Polish
This cake has a wonderful rich flavour. It is a Christmas favourite.
See also the gingerbread-style piernik
. 15 steps
250g honey   Bring to boil over moderate heat   Stir in Grease and line 9x5x3 inch pan. Pour batter in, bake in the middle of a slow oven 1 1/2 hours or until ready.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon   Stir in, set aside to cool
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
60g unsalted butter Soften   Cream
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
3 egg yolks   Beat in, one at a time
3/4 cup flour Sift   Beat in, 1/4 cup at a time
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup flour Toss, to coat each piece   Fold in
10 tablespoons raisins
6 tablespoons currants
1/2 cup walnuts Chop finely
3 egg whites Beat until stiff peaks form Gently fold in
When cooled, ice with a thin lemon icing and decorate with blanched strips of lemon and orange rind.