Birthday Cake for Mom/Leona/Aiti

Mom is 83 years old today so of course we're having cake and presents. Mom requested chocolate cake with white frosting so here it is: Mrs. George Cavender's Devil's Food Cake straight off the chocolate - stained index card and 7 Minute Frosting from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. (New in about 1962)

Mrs. Cavender's Cake

2 sq. chocolate

1 c. boiling water

pour over chocolate melt & cool

1 cup sugar 1 tbsp molasses

1 1/2 cup shortening 1 3/4 cup flour

2 eggs 1 tsp soda

Cream shortening, add sugar, then add eggs, well beatean. Add molasses. Add flour alternately with melted choc. mixture. (Stir soda into choc. mixture first)

Bake at 350 degrees in layer pans about 30 - 35 min.

SEVEN-MINUTE FROSTING

2 unbeaten egg whites

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons light corn syrup or 1/4 teaspoon cram of tartar

1/3 cup cold water

dash salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Place all ingredients except vanilla in top of double boiler (don't place over boiling water); beat 1/2 minute at low speed on electric mixer to blend. Place over boiling water, but not touching water. Cook, beating constantly, till frosting forms stiff peaks, about 7 minutes (don't overcook.) Remove from boiling water.

If desired, pour into mixing bowl. Add vanilla; beat till of spreading consistency, about 2 minutes. Frosts tops and sides of two 8- or 9-inch layers.

Happy Birthday, Mom!