Man, on man today is just Monday and I’m ready for this week to be over and the month as well. Although, if the rest of the year is going to be like this month then I think I will find a hole and crawl in and not come out ever. if your looking for me don’t bother me because January 27th National Chocolate Cake Day.
I think I will purchase a cake for myself to drown my sorrows in and no, before you ask I’m not going to share with anyone not, even Charlie. Although, I wish Charlie would eat cake with me and in his Homeschool Cooking Class we could bake a Chocolate Spice Cake that sounds divine and is one of my favorite Cakes of all times. Have you had a Chocolate Spice Cake and did you like it or not?
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY ACTIVITIES
- It’s time to get creative in the kitchen have you ever heard of Lavender Truffle or a Mexican Chili Chocolate? Bring out your inner chef and incorporate an unique ingredient in your Chocolate Cake.
- If you’ve always wanted to learn to bake then today is the perfect day to sign up for a baking class to learn how to create the perfect Chocolate Cake. Bring a friend or loved one with you and bake your way to happiness.
- indulge in your guilty pleasure by making a trip to your local bakery or restaurant that serves your favorite Chocolate Cake and don’t worry about the calories or diet today.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY
- We can reflect on past birthday celebrations and remember an epic cake being present because cake and Chocolate are ingrained into American culture as natural symbols of love and celebration. A Chocolate Cake might be the most memorable guest of the party.
- Cake evolved from early leavened Breads, which were sweetened with natural ingredients including Honey, Fruit, or Nuts and then expanded to include ingredients like Vanilla and Chocolate. The combination of ingredients, especially Chocolate, work harmoniously to trigger our brain’s natural production of opiates, which help alleviate pain and increase our positive feeling of well-being. Chocolate is clearly the perfect combination of both simple and sweet.
- Chocolate triggers the release of serotonin and endorphins, which are neurotransmitters for happiness and pleasure and Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, which elevates our mood when feeling happiness or love.
Chocolate Spice Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons brewed coffee, room temperature, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons baking cocoa, divided
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1-1/2 cups raisins
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1-1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
Directions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in applesauce and 1/2 cup coffee. Combine the flour, 1/4 cup baking cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, allspice, salt and cloves; gradually beat into creamed mixture until blended. Fold in raisins and walnuts.
- Pour into a 10-in. fluted tube pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and remaining baking cocoa and coffee; drizzle over cake.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
