That's Right, and I'd Do It Again!

You know, those things you do, that you never want to admit to, well, anyone?

I'm coming clean.  Last week, in preparation for an apartment showing, I called my babysitter to come over while I was home so I could clean my room.  And my closet.  For shame.

The good news?  They rented the apartment and we're moving.  The better news?  My room sparkles; I don't feel guilty when I go to bed that my room is a disaster.  It was the best $20 I've spent in a long time.

So go ahead, do something today that you normally wouldn't.  Because - who knows? - maybe it'll turn out to be the best thing you've done for yourself in a while.  Try this, for starters (the final birthday cake recipe!):

Hershey Drug Store Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350^o

Combine:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ¾ cups flour 
• ¾ cup cocoa 
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 



The cake has a beautiful texture.

• 1 teaspoon salt

Add and mix 2 minutes:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Add and mix:

• 1 cup boiling water

Pour into 2 greased and floured cake pans.  Bake 30-35 minutes; cool 10 minutes in pans.  Remove from pans and cool completely on wire rack before frosting.

Peanut Butter Frosting

Melt:

• ½ cup butter

Add:

• ½ - ¾ pound powdered sugar  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Add: 

• ½ cup milk, +/- (smooth, easy stir consistency)

Add: 

• 12-16 ounces peanut butter 
• Maybe more milk

Make just before frosting cake.  
*I initially neglected to say that this cake is best served chilled, on the second or even third day.  

I usually take the frosting down
the sides for complete coverage.