Recipe: Devil's Food Cake with Variations (one layer) (microwave)

DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE WITH VARIATIONS
Makes one layer

3/4 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/3 cup milk
1 ounce pre-melted unsweetened chocolate*
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

Place all ingredients except eggs in mixing bowl. Blend at low speed, then beat at medium speed 1 minute. Add eggs and beat 1 minute.

If cake is to be removed before icing, place a few dabs of shortening in bottom of 9 inch glass baking dish, then fit a circle of wax paper over the shortening. If cake is to be iced in the baking dish, simply pour batter in evenly.

Microwave 1 layer at 50 percent power for 5 to 6 minutes, rotating 1/4 turn every 3 minutes.

Increase power to High, microwave 2 to 5 minutes or until done. Let stand directly on counter top 5 to 10 minutes.

*If solid chocolate is used, melt in glass measuring cup at 50 percent power for 2 to 4 minutes per square. To soften pre-melted chocolate in the packets, microwave in envelope 10 seconds on High.

VARIATIONS:

CHOCOLATE MINT CAKE:
Substitute peppermint flavoring for vanilla.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT CAKE:
Add 2 tablespoons (1/4 cup) peanut butter and one more tablespoon milk before mixing.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY CAKE:
Add 2 tablespoons (1/4 cup) maraschino cherry juice for milk and 1/4 cup of maraschino cherries before mixing.

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