My birthday last year found me deep in the territories of the Angel Cartel, a notorious pirate gang, doing recon for the militia. When you’re immortal, birthdays don’t really matter much; at times, nothing seems to matter much.

Still, my crew wanted to mark the occasion, regardless of my sour mood. To that end, they surprised me with the following:

Angel Cartel Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 12 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Angel Cartel zest

METHOD

1. Separate eggs; discard yolks or refrigerate for another use.
2. Measure egg whites, adding or removing whites as needed to equal 1-1/2 cups.
3. Place in a mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, sift confectioners’ sugar and flour together three times; set aside.
5. Add cream of tartar, extracts and salt to egg whites; beat on high speed.
6. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form.
7. Fold in flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time.
8. Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan.
9. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets.
10. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
11. Immediately invert pan; cool completely before removing cake from pan.

I guess it turned out to be an enjoyable birthday after all. Hope you enjoy the cake as much as I did. What exactly is Angel Cartel zest anyway?