Ryan’s Favorite Chocolate Cake

(From Grandma Lavin’s recipe box)

Chocolate Feather Cake

Makes 2 layers

½ lb. butter (2 sticks)

2 c. sugar

3 oz. sq. unsweetened chocolate

5 egg yolks

2 ½ cake flour (opt)

1 c sour milk (buttermilk)

1 t. baking soda

1 T. hot water

1 ½ t. vanilla

5 egg whites, beaten

Melt chocolate over hot water.  Cream butter and sugar well.  Add melted chocolate, then egg yolks and mmix.  Sift flour once, then measure, then sift 3 times.  Add alternately with sour milk, mixing in baking soda combined with tablespoon of hot water.  Add vanilla, beat, then fold in beaten egg whites.  Pour into 2 8 inch greased layer cake pans, line on bottom with parchment or greased wax paper.  Frost as desired.

From Home Service Department The Laclede Gas Light Company

Frosting:

(From Grandma’s Betty Crocker Cookbook)

Recipe barely covers a double layer cake which was fine with Ryan who didn’t want too much frosting.

3 T shortening

3 oz semi-sweet chocolate

2 c powdered sugar

½ t salt

1/3 c milk

1 t vanilla

Melt shortening and chocolate in saucepan over low heat.  Stir in remaining ingredients; beat until smooth.  Place pan of frosting in bowl of ice and water; continue beating until spreading consistency.