Love and Chocolate

Go ahead, ask around. I guarantee that someone you love loves chocolate cake.  This little cake packs a chocolate punch that will surely make your beloved swoon. And to make matters even better - it's easy .... a rich, moist chocolate cake that takes only a few minutes to prepare the batter using one bowl.

Use dabs of frosting to attach whole raspberries or strawberry halves to the top layer to make your cake the ultimate in sexy desserts. Finally. look for a sparkling rosé with strawberry or raspberry undertones for a delightful wine pairing.  Perfect!

Don't let Valentine's Day catch you by surprise this year.  I don't know for sure if chocolate is an aphrodisiac but it's worth a shot. Make a plan to bake a cake, a chocolate cake!

TRUE LOVE CHOCOLATE CAKE
1 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 jumbo egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup hot coffee

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line bottom of one 6.5 or 7 inch round pan with parchment, spray sides with baking spray.

In a medium sized bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 2 minutes on medium speed of mixer. Stir in the hot coffee last. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cake tests done with a toothpick. Top will be domed. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Using a cake cutter or a large sharp knife, slice cake in half to make two layers.

Fill between layers with your favorite chocolate frosting.  Finish by generously dusting with powdered sugar.

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