FROSTED ALMOND POUND CAKE

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl, beat butter until smooth.  Add the sugar and beat until light-colored, about 2 minutes.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  On low speed, beat in half the flour mixture.  Scrape down bowl and beat in the milk.  Add the last half of the flour mixture and the almond extract; beat until smooth.  Spread batter into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until crowned in the center and set.  Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Invert pan to remove cake and cool cake completely, turned upright on wire rack.

Glaze Topping:
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tsp water
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 tbsp sliced almonds, lightly toasted

In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, water, and the almond extract. Whisk together until smooth.  Spread over the top of the cooled cake and sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top.

Allow the topping to set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Yield: 12 slices