No. 3051 — Sponge Baba
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3051 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Carefully separate 32 yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks with 2 pounds (4 glasses) sugar, first rubbing zest from 2 lemons into the sugar, and squeeze in the juice of 3 lemons. Keep stirring in one direction until the mixture becomes pale.
Add 32 beaten whites, gradually sifting in 1½ pounds flour. Mix and pour into a buttered mould sprinkled with sugar, leaving some space at the top. Bake in a moderately heated oven for 1 hour.
For six people use one-quarter of the batch: 8 eggs, ½ pound sugar, ½ lemon, ⅜ pound (the source prints 1⅓ glasses) flour, 1½ tablespoons butter and about 2 tablespoons sugar or breadcrumbs to coat the mould.