Homely Cake

     A couple with two young boys came to dinner last week. When I served chocolate cake for dessert, the six-year-old said, “I’ve been waiting for this cake my whole life!” He has a flair for the dramatic. He was offended when we all burst out laughing, so I told him that was the nicest thing anyone has ever said about my baking. And it is.

     We had an Irish couple over for dinner once who told us we were a very homely family. I figured there was a cultural glitch and they weren’t really telling us we were unattractive. After a discreet inquiry, I realized they were trying to tell us we were comfortable folks. They were correct in their use of the word, it just isn’t common to use it that way in this part of the United States.

     Now, back to the cake.

     My husband said it was the best chocolate frosting I have ever made, and it was a highlight to his weekend. Now I wish I had written down the recipe. As per usual, I was messing with a recipe I had in my head, fully expecting to make a botched job of it. As per usual, when it turned out a success I didn’t think I could ever forget what I had done because my triumphs are so rare.

     As near as I can remember, I melted 2-3 tablespoons of butter with 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 5-6 squares of Trader Joe’s dark chocolate bar. Then I whisked in 2 cups of powdered sugar and kept adding splashes of half and half until the stuff was smooth and thin enough to spread over the cake. I meant to put in some vanilla but I forgot. As you have probably guessed, baking isn't my strong suit.

     It was a homely cake, simple but good, and it didn't last through the weekend.