Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Sauerkraut Surprise (Chocolate) Cake

Jer loves sauerkraut. Since living in Bavaria, there is little reason for me not to make it (other than not being a fan of it). This recipe will help me sneak it in without tasting it, I hope!

A listener, Lin, did a Google search after hearing another caller ask for this unusual cake, and forwarded a copy. Then, we received an e-mail from our listener Millie who has used this recipe since finding it in Better Homes and Gardens magazine in 1975. She says,“ I want to tell you that I have had this recipe since 1975… It is a great fudgie cake and the sour cream chocolate frosting is scrumptious. The sauerkraut adds moistness and coconut-like texture - but no sour flavor - to this delicious cake. It has been my son's favorite since he was a teenager. The recipe was reprinted in the August 1980 edition of BHG and is exactly the same as the first time it was published. So here goes!”


1/2 cup, butter
1 1/2 cups, sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon, vanilla extract
2 cups, all purpose flour - sifted
1 teaspoon, baking powder
1 teaspoon, baking soda
1/4 teaspoon, salt
1/2 cup, cocoa powder
one 8 ounce can, sauerkraut - drained, rinsed and finely snipped
1 cup, water

*Sour Cream Chocolate frosting (*recipe below)


In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add vanilla.

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa together. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture, alternately with the 1 cup water. Beat well after each addition. Stir in sauerkraut.

Turn into greased and floured 13 x 9 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cake tests done.

*SOUR CREAM CHOCOLATE FROSTING


one 6 ounce package, semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons, butter
1/2 cup, sour cream
1 teaspoon, vanilla
1 pound, confectioners sugar

Melt the chocolate chips and butter over low heat. Remove from heat. Blend in sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Add the sifted sugar and mix until smooth and of consistency for spreading. Spread over cooled cake.

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