Chocolate Tasting

photo credit: greggoconnellThis cake is very nice in a rectangle pan, but is truly spectacular baked in rounds and richly frosted. Simple to make, moist, and delicious.

Cake

• 2 cups Flour
• 2 cups White Sugar
• 1/2 cup Shortening
• 3/4 cup Water
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 Eggs
• 4 oz Unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• Fudge frosting (see below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Grease and flour 13 x 9 x 3 pan, or 3 8″ round pans, or 2 9″ round pans.

Toss everything except the frosting ingredients into a large bowl and beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Once everything is combined, beat on high speed for 3 minutes, scraping bowl constantly. Pour into pan(s).

Bake for 40-45 minutes (rectangle pan) or 30-35 minutes (round pans), or until a toothpick comes out clean.

If you chose to make rounds, allow them to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans.

Cool completely, and frost.

Fudge Frosting

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cups shortening
• 3 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix all ingredients except vanilla in a 2 1/2 quart saucepan.

Heat to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Boil 1 minute without stirring.

Place saucepan in a bowl of ice and water. Beat until frosting is smooth and spreadable; then add vanilla.