JOURNEY CAKE WITH HARD SAUCE

FOR THE CAKE:
12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1 cup apple cider
FOR THE HARD SAUCE:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 pound sifted confectioners' sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons rum

PREPARE THE CAKE:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch pan.

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, beating until well combined. Set aside.

Sift together the flour, baking soda and spices. Using a large wooden spoon, add the dry ingredients and the cider to the batter - alternating the cider and the dry ingredients and stirring well after each addition. Be sure to begin and end with dry ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

PREPARE THE HARD SAUCE:
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it is very fluffy - at least 7 minutes.

Gradually add half of the sugar, beating well after each addition. Beat in the rum and then the remainder of the sugar.

Makes approximately 12 servings
Source: Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson