I have taught cooking classes to many people in my kitchen throughout the years; taught large groups at military spouse functions, but today was the first day I have taught a guy aside from my boys, Andre & Toren; and it was at his request!  Adam was a quick learner, even though his kneading was more like punching and jabbing the dough ;o)!  His bread loaves and chocolate cake came out beautifully ~ Great job Adam Arnold! Welcome to retirement ~ and thanks for the flowers!

Double Chocolate Cake

this is so quick and easy, you mix it right in the pan you bake it in!  Perfect 1st cake for the box-cake maker!

• 1 2/3 flour
• 1 c sugar (I use brown)
• 1/4-1/3 c cocoa
• 1 t baking soda
• 1/2 t kosher salt
• 1 c hot water or buttermilk
• 1/3 c oil
• 1 T apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 t vanilla
• 1 c chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar

Heat oven to 350; mix dry ingredients in an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch pan; stir in remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. Sprinkle chips over top of batter.  Bake 30 – 35 minutes or when cake passes the toothpick test!

You can make a spiced version with carrots and applesauce by omitting the cocoa & chocolate chips and adding 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup applesauce and increasing the flour to 2 cups + 2 T, and add 1/2 tsp baking powder. Don’t forget the cream cheese frosting!