Chocolate Pudding Cake

This creation is one of my most favorite recipes from my mom. It is so simple, but so CHOCOLATE! I've seen many spin-offs from this recipe lately (think "lava cake"), but none are as good as this recipe from my childhood.

OVEN: 350 degrees

3 Tablespoons baking cocoa
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Pour into an 8 x 12" baking dish.

Over top of cake mixture, sprinkle (without mixing):
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3 Tablespoons baking cocoa
1 1/2 cups cold water

Bake for 40 minutes.

Best served warm as topping forms a pudding in bottom of cake pan. Takes great with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

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Creme de menthe Cake

I wanted something sweet, but not icky sweet, for dessert tonight. Couldn't decide what sounded good until I came across this recipe. A family favorite, it's easy to serve "straight up" or dressed and fancy with your favorite icing recipe. I'm sure we'll enjoy this tonight!

OVEN: 350 degrees

1 pkg yellow cake mix
1/3 cup canola oil
4 eggs
8 oz sour cream
1 pkg instant pistachio pudding
1/4 cup creme de menthe syrup
6-8 oz chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients together well and pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake 55-60 minutes. Cool for 15-20 minutes in pan on a rack. Turn from bundt pan onto plate.

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Ultimate Blog Party 2009

Running March 20-27th, the Ultimate Blog Party is a great way to meet lots of other bloggin' moms out there in the "momosphere"!



Of course I'm joining in on the fun by offering the only prize any self-respecting recipe blog would offer ... CHOCOLATE!

This container of Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Malt Balls will make you drool!! Crispy malted milk centers enrobed in pure Ghirardelli Milk chocolate. Enter my drawing by emailing me no later than 6 pm ET on March 27th. The winner will be notified on March 28th by email. Only those with a Continental US address will be eligible to win.

Point your browser at the Ultimate Blog Party over on the 5 Minutes for Mom site to find out what others are doing for the party. I'm hoping to win something exciting as well.

My personal favorites are:
1. 58 – Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer
Provided by: Moms Who Think

2. 68 – $30 gift certificate to Christian Book Distributors
Provided by: A High And Noble Calling

3. 86 –$25 Gift Certificate to Close To My Heart
Provided by: ThatGirlBlogs

Other favorites would include #69, #88, #89, or #109. What would you pick?

Before you head over to check out all the great prizes, be sure to bookmark my blog and invite your friends to join the drawining for some delicious chocolate!!

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Chocolate Eclair Cake

A family-favorite, especially as a hot summer dessert. Requires a little bit of advance preparation, but well worth it!

1 - 3 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 - 3 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 - 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip)
1 - 16 oz package graham crackers
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup white sugar
2 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- - - - - - - -

In a large bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups cold milk. Whisk together well. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping and beat with mixer for 2 minutes.

In a greased 9 x 13" baking dish, spread a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the dish. Spread vanilla pudding mixture over crackers. Then top with another layer of graham crackers.

In a large bowl, combine chocolate pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups cold milk. Whisk together well. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping and beat with mixer for 2 minutes. Spread over the layer of graham crackers. Top second pudding layer with another layer of crackers.

To make topping: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1/4 cup milk, cocoa and sugar and allow to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat ... add butter and vanilla. Mix well and cool. Pour topping evenly over graham cracker layer and refrigerate until set. Serve.

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