Bram's Chocolate Cake & Frosting from Paula Burns

I met Paula Burns via email.  She had purchased a copy of Annie's Sweet Tooth (and other savory delights!) from RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison CT.  She noticed the little sign by the book which stated all proceeds were going to the MDS Foundation, which is what drew her to the book.  Paula lost her Dad to complications from MDS, as I lost my sister, Ann.

After Paula emailed me about the cookbook and shared her story about her Dad and I responded, we met for coffee; she also became involved with the Development Committee for the MDS Foundation, and now, we are friends!  Paula is a manager for Send Out Cards and offers a home based business opportunity as well as a most convenient and fun way to buy and send greeting cards!  For more information and a peek at the opportunities, please email Paula at moodybeachgirl@comcast.net.

In Paula's words:

I've had an "AHA" moment this past year... which has steered me in the direction of a journey of personal development. One of my best journeys, is the Sendout Cards opportunity.

I encourage all my friends to spend time getting to know who you really are and what you really want your life to be....Live the life you've imaged....

And now, I present:   Bram's Chocolate Cake and Frosting by Paula Burns, Guest Blogger

"Chocolate Cake Recipe

1/2 cup of shortening
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup dark cocoa
1 cup of hot coffee
1 1/2 cups of sifted flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp of baking powder
 

Cream shortening, add eggs one at a time.  Sift flour, salt, soda and baking powder together.   Add to the cream mixture.  Combine the cocoa and hot coffee.  Stir until smooth.  Add dry ingredients to the cream mixture, alternating with the cocoa mixture.

Bake in a greased 9" round pan, or a small tube pan, at 350 degrees for 45mins till cake tested, inserted, comes out clean.  Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 3oz package of cream cheese, softened
2 Tbl soft butter
2-3 cups of powdered sugar
tsp of vanilla
just enough milk to blend

Cream all above and spread over cooled cake


This is the "family" cake which has been made and served for every family birthday and special event.  I"ve had this cake for every one of my birthdays and now my children have as well.  My paternal grandmother began making this cake as a young girl  (one of her first baking adventures).  I say baking adventures, because she was baking with a wood fired stove.   Many a story has been told about the perils of baking with a wood kitchen stove.

Enjoy!"