melting hearts and chocolate

It has been commonly documented that chocolate releases endorphins that mimic the feeling of love. A popular cake for birthdays…nothing beats that moment when you take that first bite of chocolate bliss and it melts in your mouth…mmm….just heavenly.

 It gives the same feeling of when your heart is melted…you know, those moments when our hearts flutter or skip a beat? It could be from a simple smile from a loved one. Or a surprise moment when your loved one gives you a special birthday gift.

A gift of love.  A gathering of family and friends.  A glance of the past, cherishing the present and hope for the future.

My heart was melted.

Chocolate Birthday Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

2 cups white sugar

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Icing:

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder

5 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar

2/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

·      Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a bundt pan.

·      Use the first set of ingredients to make the cake. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Stir in the boiling water by hand. Pour into the pan.

·      Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely.

·      To make the frosting, use the second set of ingredients. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the cocoa and confectioners' sugar alternately with the milk and vanilla. Beat to a spreading consistency.

·      Frost the outside of the cake.


Enjoy it melt in your mouth.