Orange Basil Pound Cake

     Was watching the Foodnetwork and they were having this competition of bakers combining sweet and savory into birthday cakes. They had to use a certain herb in their concoction. So I decided to create my own version and thought what better herb to use than basil. Now I'm probably going to get some slack for this but I used a store bought pound cake box mix to start this recipe. So here goes; Orange Basil Pound Cake.



Ingredients:
1 box store bought pound cake mix


1 bundle fresh basil
1 orange
Powdered sugar
Milk




1. Follow directions of pound cake mix box.
2. Chop up very finely all of the basil leaves with exception of 3.
3. Mix into the cake mix batter.
4. Add in zest from 1/2 orange.
5. Bake according to directions.
6. Meanwhile take 1/2 cup water and dissolve 1/2 cup sugar over medium low heat to create simple syrup.
7. Toss in the 3 left over basil leaves to infuse into the simple syrup.
8. Combine some milk and powdered sugar to create a thick icing. Mix in the other half of orange zest.
9. Once the cake is cooled take a pastry brush and spread on some of the basil syrup on top of the cake.
10. Take the powdered sugar icing and drizzle over the top. Let cool.


Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: according to box
Serves: 4+


This cake was a gigantic hit at my family's Easter brunch this. Some were hesitant to try a cake made with basil, however when they took their first bite they were so amused at the fantastic combination of flavors.