Olive-Oil Orange Cake with Poached Figs

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and oil an 8-inch square pan.
2. To prepare the cake, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  
3. Combine sugar and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer a medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Mix in orange juice and rind.  Reduce speed to low, and add olive oil in a slow stream.
4. Add flour mixture and stir just until combined. Pour into prepared pan. Bake about 35 minutes, until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. To prepare figs, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until the liquid is syrupy, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm over cake.

Recipe by Tamar Haspel.