Happy Birthday to Me

My present to myself this year was a big Chocolate Date Cake. I don't remember where I got this recipe. I remember my friend Lauren mentioning a Chocolate Date Cake, and I think I then did some internet research to get this one. I made it for Tess's first birthday. Fortunately my birthday gave me a valid excuse to make it again.

Chocolate Date Cake
(makes 1- 10 inch round cake)

2 cups pitted dates (chopped)
1 1/4 cups hot coffee
2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 lg. eggs
1 cup white flour
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter cake pan (line with parchment paper and butter it also.)

2. Loosely fill 2 cup measuring cup with dates and cover with the hot coffee. Let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and add vanilla.

4. Sift flour, cocoa powder, salt, and soda together. Add to butter and egg mixture. Combine by mixing gently.

5. Blend the dates and coffee in a blender and add this to the batter.

6. Pour batter into pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips on the top. (Or don't, it's goo either way.)

7. Bake 40-45 minutes. A toothpick should come out basically clean.

I made two of these on Saturday night. Paul and the Rice family helped me eat them, and now I'm enjoying the large quantity of leftover cake. It makes me so happy. :)