German chocolate cake

 
                           GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE
 
 Recipe By     : BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MAGAZINE -- SEPTEMBER 1996
 Serving Size  : 12   Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Cakes                            Desserts
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    1      package       (4-oz.) sweet baking chocolate
      1/2  cup           water
    1 1/2  cups          all-purpose flour
      3/4  teaspoon      baking soda
      1/4  teaspoon      salt
    1      cup           sugar
      3/4  cup           shortening
    3                    eggs
    1      teaspoon      vanilla
      3/4  cup           buttermilk or sour milk*
    1      recipe        Coconut-Pecan Frosting; -- see recipe
    1      recipe        Chocolate Butter Frosting, (optional), -- see
 recipe
 
 In a small heavy saucepan heat chocolate and water over low heat till
 chocolate is melted, stirring to blend.  Cool.  Preheat oven to 350. 
 Grease and flour two
 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.  In a small mixing bowl stir together flour,
 baking soda and salt; set aside.  In a large mixing bowl beat sugar and
 shortening on medium speed of an electric mixer till fluffy.  Add eggs
 and vanilla; beat on low speed till combined.  Beat for 1 minute on
 medium speed.  Beat in chocolate mixture.  Add flour mixture alternately
 with buttermilk or sour milk, beating on low speed after each addition
 just till combines.  Spread batter evenly in prepared pans.  Bake at 350
 about 30 minutes for 9 inch pans; 35 to 40 minutes for 8 inch pans, or
 until toothpicks inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool
 in pans for 10 minutes on wire racks.  Remove from pans.  Cool completely
 on wire racks.  
 To assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving platter.  Spread half of
 the Coconut-Pecan Frosting on top; repeat layers.  If desired, frost the
 sides with Chocolate Butter Frosting.  Store in the refrigerator till
 ready to serve.  Makes 12 servings.  
 
                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 
 NOTES : NOTE: To make sour milk, place 1 tablespoon lemon juice or
 vinegar in a glass measuring cup.  Add enough milk to make 1 cup total
 liquid; stir.