Thursday, March 11, 2010

Chocolate Cake

This recipe is probably more about the recipe card than it is about the actual recipe, although the cake isn't bad. This card is torn and tattered, it's yellow and the paper feels fragile when you touch it.  I haven't found another recipe card quite like this one in my Grandma's Recipe Boxes.  It is truly one of those special instances that only could be found in an old recipe box.  Although I am not completely sure, it is quite possible that this recipe belonged to my great grandma (which would make this really old).  She uses Roman numerals to capture the steps.  What is really interesting is the picture of a young boy (although Bubba thinks it is me...now that is funny)  that has been glued to the recipe card. It's truly something very different.  I don't actually know why she would do this and I have spent several days trying to imagine what would lead her to put the picture of someone on a recipe card.  I have decided that maybe it was this persons favorite recipe, someone she loved to make this for and so a picture on the recipe card was a loving gesture, a special tribute to someone special.  Maybe my family who visits this blog from time to time might have an idea.
Chocolate Cake
I  Scald 1 cup milk, 3 tbsp cocoa - let cool
II  Mix 1 (Scant) cup sugar, 1 tbsp butter - 2 eggs
III Add cocoa and milk mixture and 1/2 tsp soda - 1 tsp B.P. - 1 cup flour
IV Beat until smooth
Butter and flour pan.


I don't know if you have noticed the use of "scant" in some of the recipes I have posted.  This is a term that is rarely, if ever seen in "modern" recipes.  I have not been able to find any specific reason for the use of the term  "scant" other than these recipes really do need ingredients that are just short of, for example a full cup of sugar.  The fun and mysteries just keep on coming.

6 comments:

  1. I love stories like this about old recipes from Grandma. Thinking you are right on about the photo having a special meaning to the recipe - that is just how Grandma's roll ;)

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  2. Correen, thanks for stopping by, I checked out your blog about your Grandma Katie..I enjoy it.

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  3. I've always liked white frosting on chocolate cake - it seems to heighten the chocolate in the cake itself, but, I like the background story to this recipe even more :) Wish my grandmother had left me a box of yellowed and well worn and used recipes - unfortunately my grandmother was illiterate and kept all her recipes in her sharp-as-a-tack mind. You have truly inherited a treasure!

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  4. Such an appetizing cake - I wish I could have a bite right from the screen :-)

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  5. I've been reading your blog for a while and it's past time to leave a comment and say hello. I love the idea behind your blog. I look forward to seeing the pictures of your grandma's recipe cards...very sweet.

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  6. MM, I am glad you have been stopping by, it is truly appreciated. I am going to check out your site as well.

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Thanks for commenting on my Blog. As time permits I will do my best to respond...My Grandma would expect me to :)