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STORY ON A PLATE is a work in progress, but I thought I would test it out today. My mother and I came up with the idea as a way to share our family recipes with you as well as the stories behind them.
I took this picture just moments ago so you could just how much everyone loves THE cake!
This recipe has been a staple in our household for as long as I can remember. Actually, as long as my mother can remember too! “Cake mix” was definitely a dirty word in my grandfather’s vocabulary, but no one seemed to mind since this cake was always so scrumptuously moist and also, so easy to make. This cake was served as the “house birthday cake” by an acquaintance who was a chef in L.A. for years. Fluffy frosting is a good choice for icing, however it is just perfect when dusted with a little powdered sugar.
I will never in my life forget the first time Jenna had this cake during a visit to my parent’s house…. I think she stopped breathing. Honest. When I was planning her 30th birthday party, her only request was that my mother make THE cake!
STEP I.
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoon soda
STEP II.
1 cup water
½ cup cocoa
STEP III.
¾ cup Mazola Oil
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine Step I in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
Combine Step II in a small saucepan and boil together at low heat until thick. Cool.
Add Step III (oil, eggs, buttermilk and vanilla) to Step I (flour, sugar, salt and soda). Mix. Add Step II (cooled cocoa mixture).
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.
This recipe will make one 9“ x 13”, two 9″ rounds , or cupcakes.
NOTE: Yes, I believe the cake is better when you use Mazola Oil. I am generous with my measurement on the oil and buttermilk. Remember if you don’t have buttermilk, you can take one cup of milk, add a tablespoon of vinegar to the milk, mix and let stand
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s best if you have my grandma make it and make her icing. MMMmmmm… I don’t think just any icing will do and NO ONE can make it like Nan! I can’t believe you are giving away this old family recipe. shame
PS. Have you ever actually made this yourself?
)
Kelly´s last blog ..Hand, Foot and Mouth
I want this right now. If only I had all of the ingredients in my apt…
MCW´s last blog ..Worth a Shot
i can’t wait to try this recipe!! and the way you separated it by steps make it so much easier to follow! why hasn’t anyone thought of this sooner???
megan´s last blog ..yummy goodness
I love the “story on a plate” idea- food has so much emotional value (like jewelry) that the story behind a recipe is as important as how it tastes (well, almost). Plus that cake looks super delish- I’m such a sucker for chocolate cake
Samma´s last blog ..Cheesy Weekend (not involving dance clubs or PCB)
Its looks wonderful – thanks for sharing
This looks delicious! I may have to try this treat out
By the way, I found your blog through Meredith!
Kelsey Smith´s last blog ..Kings of Leon
Oh my word, that looks delicious!
Practically Perfect…´s last blog ..My Hour of Temporary Insanity
How is it I haven’t had this yet? Remember my bday is coming up in August.he he
Nina, you have saved me! My brother is flying up from Arkansas and his 22nd birthday is Sunday. He requested Chocolate cake and I was just going to go with the box mix..but tada…in the nick of time you’ve shared a fab recipe!
Can’t wait to make it and eat it! Yummo!
Autumn´s last blog ..The sad monkey slippers
I’m soooooo going to make this ASAP- if there is a way to my heart, it’s moist chocolate cake! Will make vanilla buttercream frosting- oooh delicious!
xoox
kHm
QueenBeeSwain´s last blog ..God Bless Mother Nature…
I am going to try and make this, you have made it sound so delicious.
It sounds delicious! It’s a shame I’m trying to lose weight, but I think I’ll make it really soon anyway.
Erin @ Blue-Eyed Bride´s last blog ..surprise, surprise
Even for being domestically challenged, I think I could and would actually make this! Thanks for the recipe my sweet!
This is by far one of the Horn’s favorite family recipes but I am not sure you are giving away any secrets. Most recipes that call for a specific brand ingredient usually originate from the brand company (i.e. Mazola Oil). Since Mazola Oil is specifically called for I am pretty sure this recipe probably originated from the Mazola Oil company. It would have had to have been a very long time ago because my Mom has been making it for as long as I can remember. It’s sort of like my son’s favorite Mexican Chicken recipe. The recipe came from Good Housekeeping or Redbook and it was created by “Taco Bell” and “Minute Rice” companies. The weirdest thing is that I think using a substitute product makes it taste different…just like I think using Mazola Oil makes a difference in how the cake turns out. I’m sure it is all in my head but there has to be a reason these branders offer recipes with their products, right? Sounds like several readers are going to try out the Mazola Cake recipe…anxious to hear how everyone likes it.
i am offically drooling and must try to make this cake instantly…..
Pink Wallpaper´s last blog ..it’s friday…
mmmm i can’t wait to try this!!
Belle on Heels´s last blog ..oh happy day!
Thanks for sharing the recipe, Nina! I am a sucker for dessert recipes, and made this yesterday for dinner with friends last night. It was yummy!
Kara´s last blog ..So sweet …
I have had this cake at your mom and dads its awesome. Drink a diet coke with and it canceles out the calories. (ha! ha!)