Butter-Browned Bourbon-Basted Pound Cake

4 whole eggs, room temperature

2 egg yolks, room temperature

1 tablespoon water

1 cup sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan frying

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) all-purpose flour, sifted

¾ cup bourbon

Berries, to serve

Whipped cream, to serve

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mist an 8-inch loaf pan with cooking spray, then line the bottom and up the 2 long sides with kitchen parchment.

In a small bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks and water.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high to beat together the sugar, butter, vanilla and almond extracts, and the salt until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. While mixing, add the egg mixture, a couple tablespoons at a time, until well emulsified after each addition. The adding of the eggs should take about 5 minutes.

Working in 2 batches, fold in the flour gently but thoroughly until no trace of the flour remains. Transfer to the prepared pan and spread to smooth the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake on the oven's center rack for 55 to 65 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool for another 20 minutes.

When the cake is mostly cool, slice the ends off, then slice the loaf into 12 generous ½-inch-thick slices. Brush both sides of each slice liberally with bourbon.

In a large skillet, melt a bit of butter over medium-high, swirling to thoroughly coat the bottom of the pan. Working in batches, fry the pound cake 3 to 4 slices at a time, for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until toasty brown, adding additional butter between batches. Carefully transfer the toasted slices to a platter while you fry the remaining slices. Serve warm, with berries and whipped cream, if desired.

Leftovers can be cooled and kept in an airtight container for 3 days, gently rewarming in a skillet.

Serves 12

Nutrition information per serving: 350 calories; 190 calories from fat (54 percent of total calories); 22 g fat (13 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 155 mg cholesterol; 65 mg sodium; 27 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 12 g sugar; 5 g protein.

Alison Ladman