In Recognition of Carol Peletier: Olive Oil and Almond Cake

Even before the Apocalypse, Carol Peletier's path had not been an easy one. As the abused wife of the loutish Ed Peletier, she focused all her energy on trying to raise her daughter Sophia.
When the herd attack on the quarry survivor camp cost Ed his life, she took the pick-axe from Daryl Dixon and inflicted the debilitating brain injury to stop the reanimation process. When she performed the task with gusto, Daryl immediately knew her history mirrored his own.
After the herd separated the Group on the highway and Sophia was lost, Carol had to be held down as she tried to run into the woods to protect her daughter. The search dragged on for weeks and as Carol's hope faded, it was Daryl's strength of belief and the gift of a Cherokee rose that bolstered her spirit. She returned the kindness and told him how he had done more for Sophia in one day than Ed ever did in his life. As the reality that Sophia was likely dead sunk in, Carol tried to stop Daryl from risking his life further. Finally, when a transformed Sophia emerged from the barn, it was only Daryl's quick thinking that prevented Carol from running to her undead daughter.
Rick put down the little girl when no one else could. And having accepted Sophia's death as happening a long time ago, Carol refused to attend her funeral. Though Sophia was lost, Carol had found a kindred spirit in the coarse Daryl Dixon.
As unlikely allies, the two have a complex understanding of each other that the rest of the group cannot share.
The WDSCB presents Olive Oil and Almond Cake in recognition of Carol Peletier and her daughter Sophia. Inspired by a famous almond cake named for actress Sophia Loren, this unique and subtly flavored cake is far more complex than any butter based cake.
Olive oil creates a rich texture and almond paste imparts an unusual flavor. Two unexpected ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

Olive Oil and Almond Cake

1 cup flour mixed with 1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup Extra Virgin olive oil
1/4 cup almond or soy milk
1-8 oz can Almond Paste, cut into cubes (NOT Almond filling)
4 eggs 
Optional: Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350° or heat campfire coals to medium embers.  Grease and flour a spring-form pan (9 or 10  inches). Cream together oil, milk  and sugar. Add almond paste. You will need to use a potato masher to break up all the lumps. It may not be possible to get batter completely smooth without an electric mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Add flour and baking powder mixture.
Pour cake batter into prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes or until cake is lightly browned and springs back when touched. 
Alternately for campfire cooking, place over medium coals. Cover with lid or cookie sheet. Place additional hot coals on top of lid or cookie sheet. "Bake" as directed, checking after 20 minutes. Rotate if needed and continue baking until golden and spongy.
Cool and slice. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.