Fudge Cake

Hanukkah dessert takes on star

Ingredients:

1/4    - cup shortening
4       - (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
1/4    - cup milk
2       - cups sugar
2       - large eggs, lightly beaten
1       - teaspoon vanilla extract
2       - cups all-purpose flour
2       - teaspoons baking powder
1/4    - teaspoon baking soda
1/4    - teaspoon salt
2       - (8-ounce) cartons sour cream

Garnish: sifted powdered


Procedure:

Step 1
- Place shortening and chocolate in a 2-quart glass bowl, microwave at medium (50% power) 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Stir in milk and next 3 ingredients, set aside

Step 2
- Combine flour and next 3 ingredients. Stir half of flour mixture and 1 carton sour cream into chocolate mixture. Repeat procedure.

Step 3
- Spoon batter into a greased and floured 11-inch star-shaped pan or 10-inch round cakepan.

Step 4
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, cover with aluminium foil to prevent excessive browning, Bake 20 additional minutes. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes, remove cake from pan, and cool completely on wire rack.

Garnish: if desired.

Yield: one 10-inch cake