by J R Pearson
*2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (not packed)
*1 and 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
*3 teaspoons baking soda
*1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
*1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
*3 large eggs and 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
*1 and 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
*1/3 cup whole milk
*3/4 cup vegetable oil (you may also sub in melted coconut oil)
*2 tablespoons vanilla extract
*1 and 1/2 cups hot water
-Salted caramel chocolate frosting
*2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks, 16 ounces), VERY soft
*4 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
*3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*3 tablespoons heavy cream (more if needed)
*2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
-Garnish
*1 and 1/4 cups salted caramel sauce (please see post for more on this)
*Flaky sea salt
(Directions)
For the chocolate cake:
*Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut out three 9-inch round segments of parchment paper to line your cake pans with. Spray each pan generously - sides and bottom - with nonstick cooking spray, then place the parchment paper cutout in the bottom of the pans and spray again. It’s important to make sure every bit of pan and paper are sprayed so your cakes don’t get stuck. Set pans aside.
*In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, combine both sugars, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low until dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. Use your hands to break up any large clumps, if needed.
*In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolks, sour cream, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely combined. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients and beat on low until just incorporated. Pour in hot water and continue mixing until completely combined, about 1 minute. The batter will be quite thin.
*Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Cool cakes for 10 minutes in the pan before removing from pans and transferring to a cooling rack. Cool cakes completely before frosting.
For the chocolate frosting:
*In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter on medium speed until completely smooth, about 3 minutes. Turn the mixer off and sift the powdered sugar and cocoa into the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer on the lowest speed and mix until the sugar/cocoa have been absorbed by the butter, about 2 minutes.
*Increase mixer speed to medium; add in vanilla extract, salt, heavy cream and salted caramel; and beat for 3 minutes. If your frosting appears a little too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinner, add additional heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time.
(Assembly)
*Using a serrated knife, carefully trim the raised top of each cake, making each one an even, level surface.
*Transfer 1 layer to a large plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top, then add a 1/2 cup of caramel, top with another cake layer, and repeat.
*Top final cake layer and place cake in the fridge to set for 1 hour. Once set, finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle with sea salt. Slice and serve.
Honey garlic chicken
*Prep Time: 10 minutes
*Cook Time: 35 minutes
*Amount: 4 servings
(Ingredients)
*3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
*2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
*2 tablespoons honey
*2 tablespoons brown sugar
*1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
*3 cloves garlic, minced
*1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
*1/2 teaspoon dried basil
*Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
*4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
*2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
{Directions}
*Preheat oven to 400°F.
*Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
*In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter, honey, brown sugar, Dijon, garlic, oregano, and basil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
*Add chicken in a single layer and brush each chicken breast with honey mixture.
*Place into oven and roast until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, about 25-30 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J R Pearson lives in Southern Maryland with her crazy but loving family. Reading is a big part of their lives. Diving into different fictional worlds, created by amazing authors, inspired J R to write her own. J R also enjoys Saturday night movies, any meal that contains pasta, and spending time with family.
