Wonderful Chocolate Cake Recipe!
Cake:
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate,broken up
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 1/4 c. sugar
1 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. sour cream
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract



1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 9 inch round cake pans. (I use cut-out parchment rounds or wax paper. Just lightly spray the bottom of each pan and the sides before placing the rounds.

2. Cake:  In a microwave-safe glass bowl, melt butter and chocolate together in microwave on HIGH until melted and smooth, 1-1 1/2 minutes,stirring halfway through. Set aside. Mix flour,sugar,cocoa,baking soda,baking powder and salt in a large bowl until blended. (I like to use a large wire whisk).

3. Add sour cream,eggs,1 cup water,chocolate mixture and vanilla. (Use a really good grade of vanilla,as it makes a huge difference in taste).Beat 30 seconds on low speed until dry ingredients are moistened. Increase to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pans.

4. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until ckae layers spring back when pressed.

5. Cool layers in pans on rack 10-15 minutes Remove to rack to finish cooling.


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Frosting:
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate,broken up
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. unsalted butter,softened
1/4 c. sour cream
1/3 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salf (very important, as it balances the sweetness of the icing)
1 lb or 1 box powdered sugar
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

Garnish: White or dark chocolate curls, berries (that are patted dry)

Frosting:  In a microwave-safe small glass bowl,melt chocolate in microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Set aside. Beat shortening,butter,sour cream,milk,vanilla,salt,1 cup of the sugar and the cocoa powder in a medium bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar and melted chocolate until thick and smooth.

Place a cake layer on pedestal. Spread with about 2/3 cup frosting. Top with second layer, fill, then third layer, swirling decoratively. Garnish with chocolate curls and berries. Makes 12 servings.

I am a huge fan of Family Circle magazine! This recipe is one of theirs from their most excellent kitchen!
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