My man has simple tastes. Luckily for me, he doesn't request Giada's Chocolate-Strawberry Panini or Nigella's Caramel Croissant Pudding when I ask him what he might like for me to make for him for Father's Day.
Just a simple chocolate cake will do.
His mother's is the best either of us have ever come across, and I am happy to share the recipe with you.
Behold, the Twenty Minute Cake:
1 cup butter
4 Tblsp. dry cocoa
1 cup water
In microwave melt butter for 20 or 30 seconds, then add cocoa and water. Heat together in microwave until it begins to boil.
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
Add sugar and flour and beat well with mixer.
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp. Mexican vanilla
Add last four ingredients and stir well with mixer.
Pour into sprayed baking pan. (9 x 13) Bake 20 minutes at 425 degrees. (some ovens, only 400 degrees) While cake is baking, make the frosting below:
FROSTING
1/2 cup butter
3 to 4 Tblsp. cocoa
1 tsp. Mexican vanilla
1/2 box powdered sugar
Melt margarine in microwave and add rest of ingredients. Beat well. Spread on cake just as soon as it's out of the oven. Cover with foil immediately. (The original frosting recipe is double this, but it is just too much frosting for us.)
OR
This is another favorite that she likes to use on the cake sometimes instead of frosting:
CHOCOLATE GLAZE
2 Tblsp. butter (melted)
2 Tblsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup or less heavy cream
Commence with celebrating!
Oh, and speaking of food . . . the winner of the Real Food on a Real Budget giveaway is Erin (comment #118) who said:
I would love to get this book! Eating good, organic food is sometimes expensive (especially in California) but I'd love some baby steps on how to eat healthier on a budget! :)
If you didn't win but would like to purchase a book, I encourage you to go see Stephanie to purchase a copy (the e-book is on sale right for $18.97!)
