Brasadel (Jewish Coffee Cake)

1 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup walnuts plus additional 1/2 cup
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Cinnamon to taste

Beat together the shortening, 1 cup sugar and eggs. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Combine the mixtures. Add sour cream and vanilla and beat together. Then add 3/4 cup nuts (the original recipe called for raisins). Pour 1/2 of the batter into tube pan. Sprinkle 1/2 cup nuts on top, then add the rest of the batter.

Mix 3/4 cup sugar and a little cinnamon and sprinkle on cake.

Bake in 350 degree F oven for approximately 1 hour.

NOTE: The family decorates the cake with maraschino cherry halves and walnut halves.