GRANDMAS THUNDER CAKE

2nd Grade project

Mrs. Linda Dunn has been my neighbor since 1985. She has taught first and than second grade since, I think 1980.

Linda Dunn brought 3 classes, on 3 different days, of 24 kids each, to my new kitchen Benjamins 2nd grade year, 2007. It is called Grandmas Thunder Cake, and there is a book that goes with it that the teacher reads the students. I might be the only Grandma to make it at my own house. It was quite fun. The school hasn't has the funding for a field trip like this since. Such a shame.

Cake

1 c. shortening

1 3/4 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs separated

1 c. cold water

1/3 c. pureed tomatoes

2 1/2 c. cake flour

1/2 c. dry cocoa

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

Cream together one at a time the shortening, sugar, vanilla and egg yolks, cold water and tomatoes. Beat egg whites until stiff, then fold in. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Mix the dry mixture into the creamy mixture.

Bake in two greased and floured 8 1/2 inch round pans at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Frost with chocolate butter frosting and top with strawberries. Best when made on a stormy day:

FROSTING

2 sticks butter

1 cup cocoa

1/2 c milk

1 box (4 c) Powdered sugar

Cream butter and cocoa. Add milk and powered sugar. Mix well.