Super Moist Chocolate Cake Like Mom Used to Make

SUPER MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE LIKE MOM USED TO MAKE

We did not often have dessert after a meal when I was growing up, but whenever I asked Mom to bake a cake, I think she always agreed. 

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups superfine sugar (do not use a sugar substitute)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1.     If you do not have superfine sugar in your pantry, no need to go to the store to buy some.  You can make your own.  Superfine sugar is simply granulated sugar ground more finely. It’s called for in recipes where a faster dissolving granule is needed.  To make it, just place the amount you need, plus a couple of tablespoons in your food processor.  Process for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar feels like fine sand, letting the sugar dust settle before opening your food processor to check. Remeasure before using.

2.     Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.

3.     Add shortening, using electric mixer on medium speed to blend the shortening into the dry ingredients.

4.     Completely mix shortening until no chunks are visible. This is the mix which may be kept in a sealed container for several months.

5.     To make the cake:   Preheat the oven to 350*F.

6.     Grease sides and bottoms of two 9" baking pans, or one 9x13" pan.

7.     Lightly flour the greased pans.

8.     Blend the dry cake mix(above) with water, oil, and eggs in a large bowl with the mixer at low speed until just moistened. Kick up the speed to medium and mix 2 more minutes.

9.     Pour batter into pans and bake 30-33 minutes for the 9" pans and 35-38 minutes for the 9x13" pan. If you wish to make cupcakes, bake for 19-22 minutes.