Let Them Eat Cake, Again - Revisiting My Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake

Yes, I've been doing it again. Craving things that need to be baked, yet not wanting to bake because it's just too stinking hot. Actually, this dish, while it does require baking, doesn't keep the oven going for very long. So now that our highs have dipped into the mid-90s, perhaps I'll give it a go. That is, just as soon as I have guests/other people to help me eat it. Otherwise... Well, you get the picture.

* * * *

Over the years, I've seen this chocolate sheet cake called by many different names, with slight variations to the recipe. Usually the fat. All use some butter or margarine. From there, some add more butter, some shortening, others oil. I generally use oil, but the choice is up to you, because the amount does not differ.

Here's what you'll need:

1/2 C (or one stick) butter or margarine

3 T cocoa

1/2 C oil (or butter, or shortening--whatever floats your boat)

1 C water

2 eggs

2 C sugar

1/2 C buttermilk

2 C flour

1 t baking soda

1 t vanilla

First, read entire the recipe and directions before starting. Y'all have no idea how many times I've gotten myself into trouble because I've failed to adhere to this rule.

In a medium sauce pan, bring butter, cocoa, water, and oil to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

While mixture is cooking, add eggs to sugar and mix well.

Don't forget to give your cocoa mixture another stir.

To the eggs and sugar add buttermilk, flour, soda and vanilla and mix well. It will be thick and kind of stiff.

Once your cocoa mixture has come to a boil, add it to the buttermilk mixture and blend well, making sure to scrape sides and bottom of bowl.

Pour into greased and floured sheet cake pan, tilting pan until batter is evenly spread.

Bake in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.

While cake is baking, prepare frosting.

For that, you will need:

1/2 C (or one stick) of butter

6 T buttermilk

2 T cocoa

1 box (or 4 1/2 C) powdered sugar

1 t vanilla

1 C chopped pecans or walnuts

In a large saucepan, bring butter, buttermilk, and cocoa to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, if not constantly.

When mixture comes to a boil, add powdered sugar and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

Stir in nuts.

By now, your cake should be done.

Pour frosting over HOT cake, spreading to edges.

Voila! An entire cake ready in less than an hour.

However, once cooled, it may not last long.

 * * * *

You know, it really is the simple things in life that make us happy. And this, my friends, in simple.

So since simple makes us happy...

Happy Tuesday, y'all!