Pasadena Farmers' Market

I will be at the Pasadena Farmers' Market tomorrow morning from 8 to noon.

Come say hello! Have a great weekend.

National Chocolate Cake Day

What a perfect excuse!

Lava, death by, flourless, devil's, molten, torte, souffle, mousse..... the chocolate cake options are endless.

A good friend down in Orange County sent me her favorite chocolate cake recipe. YUM. Top it with your favorite chocolate icing and you're ready to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day!

CHOCOLATE CAKE

10 to 12 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

3. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks,

What is your favorite kind of chocolate cake? Have a favorite recipe you want to share?

Did You Know - New England vs. Manhattan

Don't be a chowderhead! Know the difference between New England Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder.

New England Clam Chowder

* Milk or cream-based

* Traditionally includes potatoes and onions, possibly bacon

* In 1939, legislation was proposed in the state of Maine that would make it illegal to use tomatoes in clam chowder

Manhattan Clam Chowder

* Broth-based

* Tomato is added for flavor and color

* Before the early 1900's Manhattan Clam Chowder was referred to as "New York Clam Chowder"

Boldness

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
~ Johann von Goethe

Artistry

If people knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful.
~Michelangelo