just call me betty crocker

well this weekend was a busy one. i spent saturday afternoon & evening preparing for our mother's day / birthday festivities. this mother's day/birthday celebration day (my uncle craig, maw maw simpson (yes... mawmaw. it's southern!), and my brother in law all have recent birthday's very close to each other as well as mother's day. it's a lot to celebrate!!) ... back to my point... this family celebration, i was asked to make a cake to celebrate everything. i decided on making one of our family's favorite cakes, the 4 layer peanut butter chocolate cake. i was thrilled when my mother asked me to make a cake, because usually everyone else has already been assigned something to bring every year and finally it was my turn to contribute! i was set on this cake! it was my first attempt at this cake, but i have to say, it turned out quite nice!! here's a picture, mid cake making & one of the final product. i've included the recipe as well for you to enjoy! my only suggestion is to double the icing!!



Peanut Chocolate Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
3 eggs
3 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate, melted & cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8oz) sour cream
1 cup water

Frosting
1 cup butter
1 cup jif peanut butter
4 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped peanuts

In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and brown sugar; beat in eggs, chocolate & vanilla. combine the flour, baking soda & salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream.

gradually beat in water. pour into 2 greased & floured 9 inch round baking pans. bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

for frosting, cream the butter, peanut butter, confectioners sugar, milk & vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth; set aside. split each cake into 2 layers. place a bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with about 1/2 cup frosting.

repeat layers twice. top with the remaining cake. frost top & sides of cake. gently press peanuts into sides of cake or how you would liek to decorate.

enjoy!!
-aw