♥ Lime Chiffon Cake ♥

Ingredients

• 7 eggs, separated
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 4 teaspoons grated lime peel
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• LIME CURD:
• 4 eggs
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons grated lime peel
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• Lime peel strips

Directions

• Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, water, oil, lime juice, lime peel and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients; beat until well blended. In another bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.
• Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour. Run a knife around sides and center tube of pan; set aside.
• For lime curd, in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, whisk the eggs, sugar, lime juice, peel and salt until blended. Add butter; cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Transfer to a small bowl; cool for 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
• In a small bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold in 1-1/2 cups curd.
• Cut cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with remaining curd. Top with remaining cake layer; spread whipped cream over top and sides of cake. Garnish with lime peel. 
• Yield: 12 servings.

~~Taste of Home's holiday & celebrations cookbook Annual 2010~~