by: Chef Ilona Daniel
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1∕2 cup yellow cornmeal
11∕2 tsp. baking powder
1∕4 tsp. table salt
2 large eggs
2∕3 cup granulated sugar
1∕2 cup extra virgin olive oil (Liquid Gold has some delicious options!)
1∕3 cup milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
13∕4 cups (about 10 oz.) red seedless grapes, washed and dried
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9inch round spring form pan.
Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Combine the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium high speed until light in color and increased in volume, about 5 minutes.
With the mixer on low speed, add the oil in a slow, steady stream.
Turn the mixer to medium speed and beat for 1 minute.
Stir in the milk, vanilla, and lemon zest on low speed. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture, 1∕2 cup at a time, until just incorporated.
Stir in 1∕2 of the grapes. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Scatter the remaining grapes over the top of the partially baked cake and continue to bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 40 minutes longer.
Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Release the sides from the pan and let the cake cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar, cutting into wedges, and serving.