Saturday, December 1, 2007

Double Chocolate Snack Cake

This moist, delicious cake frosts itself.

Mix together:
1 package Snack Cake Mix (see previous posting)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Combine in a separate bowl. Beat with a fork to blend:
3/4 cup water
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir the 2 mixtures together until smooth and blended.
Pour batter into lightly greased 8- or 9-inch square cake pan.

Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter:
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Bake 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees until the surface springs back when touched with your fingers.

Banana-Walnut Snack Cake

This Banana-Walnut cake is delicious as is, or even better with frosting, Cool-Whip, or ice cream.

Mix together, beating with a fork to blend:
1 package Snack Cake Mix (see previous posting)
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup buttermilk, milk or water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Pour into a lightly greased 8- or 9-inch square baking pan. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a rack.

Yield: about 9 servings.

Snack Cake Mix

Cake mixes are scarce in Mexico. Luckily I found this homemade cake mix recipe which makes three packages of cake mix. Each package can be turned into one of five different kinds of cakes. I've included two of my favorites on today's blog. The recipe can be doubled if you want to have six cake mixes on hand.

Combine in a large bowl. Stir with a wire whisk until blended:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon salt
3 cups granulated sugar


Divide mixture evenly into 3 containers. (I use zip-lock bags but 2 1/2 cup plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are recommended.)

Label and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 10-12 weeks.

Taco Seasoning Mix

Taco seasoning is not available in Mazatlán. I was happy when I found this easy recipe to make my own.

Combine and let rest for 30 minutes:
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon powdered
oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

This yields the same amount as one package of commercial taco seasoning.