Black Midnight Cake

This is the cake I usually make for birthday celebrations.

 

Cream together until fluffy:

    2/3 cup soft shortening (I use Crisco)

    1 2/3 cups sugar

    3 eggs

 

Beat 5 min. at high speed

 

Stir together:

    2 1/4 cups cake flour

    2/3 cup cocoa

    1/4 tsp. baking powder

    1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

    1 tsp. salt

 

Mix in dry ingredients alternately with 1 1/3 cups water and 1 tsp. vanilla  (Use low speed on mixer)

 

Pour into pans and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes (layers), or 40-45 minutes (oblong pan)

 

 

 

Vanilla Frosting

 

    Cook until thick: 1 cup milk and 3 tbsp. flour  (I like to do this in the microwave)

 

    Refrigerate one hour.

 

    Add:  1/4 lb. marg., 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup shortening (I use Crisco) and 1 tbsp. vanilla.

 

    Beat with electric mixer for 8 minutes. 

 

This is not a real sweet frosting.  It also works well for whoopie pies.

 

 

 

Peanut Butter Frosting

 

     3 oz. softened cream cheese

    1/4 cup peanut butter

    2 cups powdered sugar

    2 tbsp. mile

    1/2 tsp. vanilla

 

    Beat together until creamy.  I double this for a layer cake.

 

Anna Ruth (Mom/G'ma)