My Inspiration Cake
Ingredients
1 C. pecans, finely chopped
2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate grated
2 1/2 C. flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C. sugar
2/3 C. shortening
1 1/4 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 C. egg whites (4 large or 5 medium)
Chocolate frosting:
2 squares baking chocolate
1/2 C. sugar
1/4 C. water
4 egg yolks
1/2 C. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. confectioners’ sugar sifted
Cooking Instructions
Place pecans evenly over bottoms of two well-greased and lightly floured 9-inch round layer pans. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into mixing bowl. Add shortening, milk, and vanilla. Beat for 1 1/2 minutes, 150 strokes per minute, until batter is well blended. (With electric mixer blend at low speed, then beat at medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes.) Add 2/3 C. egg whites (4 large or 5 medium), unbeaten. Beat for 1 1/2 minutes. Spoon one-fourth of batter carefully into each nut-lined pan, using about half of the batter. Sprinkle with the grated chocolate (half in each pan). Spoon remaining batter into pans, spreading each carefully so chocolate is not disturbed. Bake in a moderate oven (350 degree) 35 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pans 10 to 15 minutes before turning out. Cool thoroughly and frost layers, nut side up, with chocolate frosting. Spread frosting between and on sides of layers, but frost only 1/2 inch around top edge of cake. Decorate chocolate frosting with reserved 1/3 C. white frosting, thinned with 1 to 2 tsp. water for easy spreading. Chocolate Frosting: Combine 2 squares (2 ounces) baking chocolate, sugar and water in sauce pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat. Add egg yolks; beat thoroughly. Cool. Cream the shortening and vanilla. Gradually blend in sifted confectioners’ sugar, creaming well. Reserve 1/3 C. of this frosting to decorate cake. Add the cool chocolate mixture to remaining white frosting; beat until smooth.
My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (Psalms 42:3)