1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Thoroughly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan with butter.

2. In a medium bowl, beat almond paste and eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add orange juice, a little at a time, beating until mixture is smooth; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest to combine. Pour in almond paste mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Batter should be slightly lumpy. Do not over mix.

4. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, or until the surface is firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, with a few crumbs clinging to it. Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes and transfer to a rack to continue cooling.

Source: Hannaford fresh Magazine, January - February 2007