My Inspiration' Cake

My Inspiration' Cake

1 cup chopped pecans 2 1/4 cups Pillsbury BEST(R) All Purpose or Unbleached Flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup shortening 1 1/4 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 egg whites 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated 1/2 cup sugar 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup shortening 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar 1 tablespoon water, or as needed

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Sprinkle pecans evenly in bottom of greased and floured pans. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.

In large bowl, combine all remaining cake ingredients except egg whites and chocolate; beat 1 1/2 minutes at medium speed. Add egg whites; beat 1 1/2 minutes. Carefully spoon 1/4 of batter into each pecan-lined pan. Sprinkle with grated chocolate. Spoon remaining batter over grated chocolate; spread carefully.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes or until cake is golden brown and top springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, unsweetened chocolate and 1/4 cup water; cook over low heat until melted, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat; cool.

In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup shortening and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually beat in 2 cups of the powdered sugar until well blended. Reserve 1/3 cup white frosting. To remaining frosting, add cooled chocolate, remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar and enough water for desired spreading consistency.

To assemble cake, place 1 layer, pecan side up, on serving plate. Spread with about 1/2 cup chocolate frosting. Top with second layer, pecan side up. Frost sides and 1/2 inch around top edge of cake with remaining chocolate frosting. If necessary, thin reserved white frosting with enough water for desired piping consistency; pipe around edge of nuts on top of cake.

Yield: 16 servings

Recipe Provided By: Pillsbury Bake-Off $25,000 GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Contributed by:

 * Lindas Busy Kitchen Desserts Y-Group