Extra Schmaltz!

These are based on a Texas sheet cake recipe and turn out unbelievably moist and springy, ready for whatever frosting tickles your fancy. They have the added advantage of not needing the tiresome butter-creaming step. This recipe also makes a great sheet cake, but may need a couple more minutes. Makes 12+ cupcakes. Preheat oven to 350° 1/2 c. unsalted butter (1 stick) 3 apples, peeled 1.5 c. sugar 1/2 c. buttermilk or sour cream 2 eggs 1 Tbsp. vanilla 2 c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. salt Grate the apples into a bowl. Squeeze them dry, retaining the juice in a measuring cup. Add water (if needed) to reach 1 c. liquid. Place the juice and the butter into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. While mixture is still warm, whisk in the sugar, then buttermilk and vanilla. Allow the mixture to cool while you sift together the dry ingredients. When it is cool enough not to cook the eggs, whisk in the eggs. Mix in the flour gradually, bl...

Alex writes from Austin, "Mom, do you know any particularly good chocolate cake recipes?" What better time to post this beauty: Texas Sheet Cake. It is easy and quick and tastes just plain yummy. Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup butter (so far it sounds pretty good, right?) 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk 1 1/2 tsp vanilla Grease a rectangular baking pan, set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and sale. set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1/3 cup cocoa, and 1 cup water. Bring to boil stirring constantly (yes, Alex, you can do this while talking on the phone). Remove from heat. Beat cholocate mixture into the dry mixture until thoroughly blended. Add eggs, buttermilk, an dvanilla. Stir or beat until batter is thin (about 1 minute.) Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 about 25 - 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Err on...

Forget about the dang pancakes already! This is something you have to taste - The recipe is taken, shamelessly and without editing, from the Joy of Gardening Cookbook with frosting from Grandma Gwen's recipe box. It is so incredibly delicious and if I am doing my arithmetic right, it is about 75% zucchini. (Just don't tell anyone that claims they don't like squash in any form). ZUCCHINI CHOCOLATE CAKE 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature 2 cups sugar 3 eggs, beaten 1 TBSP vanilla (yes, TBSP!) 2 cups flour 1/3 cup cocoa 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1/3 cup buttermilk or sour cream 3 cups coarsely grated zucchini (I left out the nuts, but you can certainly add some) Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two 9" round pans. Melt the chocolate and oil in a small saucepan over very low heat. Cream the butter until light; add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat well. Add the melted chocolate and mix we...