CHOCOLATE-CHERRY CAKE

CHOCOLATE-CHERRY CAKE

   Are you looking for a special treat for your Valentine?  Here is a recipe for a small cake that will win any heart:

1 2/3 C. all-purpose flour

1        C. sugar

1/4     C. cocoa

1         t. baking soda

1/2      t.  salt

1/3    C. chopped almonds

3/4    C. water

1/4    C. maraschino cherry syrup

1/3    C. vegetable oil

Heat oven to 350 degrees.   Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, almonds, and salt with fork in an ungreased square pan (8X8X2)--I would bake this in one of those square aluminum throw-away pans.  Mix in remaining ingredients.  *if your Sweetheart has issues with nuts, simply omit adding the almonds.

Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  35 to 40 minutes.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, or frost with creamy cherry frosting below:

3 C. powdered sugar

1/3 C. margarine or butter, softened

1 1/2 t. vanilla

2 T. maraschino cherries,  drained and chopped

about 2 T. milk

may add 2 drops red fool coloring

Beat powdered sugar and margarine.  Add vanilla, 1 T milk, and cherries.  Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.  May add other tablespoon of milk if needed.

For Valentine's Day, top with Cella's Chocolate Covered Cherries or shaved chocolate bar or with Valentine M&M's.

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