Big Joe Henry’s Heavenly Angel Food Cake [Recipe]

I got to thinking with Pope Francis here this weekend I thought what recipe can I use that would be fitting for his holiness? My Heavenly Angel Food Cake is it.

My grandmother used to serve Angel Food Cake all the time but to watch the calories she would add Cool Whip instead of real whipped cream. You got to have the real stuff with this delightfully light dessert. Enjoy, the kids will love this.

What you'll need:

1-1/4 cups egg whites (about 9)
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup cake flour
1-1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Whipped cream (dollop) optional
10-12 large fresh strawberries (optional)

How to put it together:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Sift 1/2 cup sugar and flour together twice; set aside. Place oven rack in the lowest position. Preheat oven to 350°.

Add cream of tartar, extracts and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time. Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets.

Bake 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned and entire top appears dry. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.

Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. Serve with a big dollop of whipped cream/ add fresh strawberries if so inclined.