There is no sweeter indulgence than chocolate. Whether it's a steaming cup of hot cocoa, a plate of heart-shaped chocolates or an exotic layered dessert, chocolate is a seductive treat.
With Valentine's Day approaching, thoughts naturally turn to chocolate and so this month's recipe is for all you chocoholics out their!
Ingredients (Makes 10 to 12 servings)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup Cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup strong black coffee or 2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee plus 1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round baking trays or one 13x9x2-inch baking tray.
- Stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Add the eggs, buttermilk, coffee liquid, and vanilla; beat thoroughly (batter should be thin). Pour batter evenly into the prepared baking trays.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for round trays, 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular tray or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the tray for about 10 minutes then remove from the trays onto wire racks. Cool completely. Decorate as desired.
Definitions
To beat: To thoroughly combine ingredients and incorporate air with a rapid, circular motion. This may be done with a wooden spoon, wire whisk, rotary eggbeater, electric mixer or food processor.
To flour : to apply a thin layer of flour to a surface to prevent food from sticking, e.g. flour the baking tray.
To grease: to apply a layer of fat to a surface to prevent food from sticking, e.g. grease the baking tray with butter.
To stir: agitate an ingredient or a number of ingredients using a hand held tool such as a spoon, eg stir the onions until they are lightly browned.