Chocolate and Raspberry Cake               
Posted by: Elaine Wed, 11 Feb 2004, at 5:22 a.m.


2 cups flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
6 Tbs, white vegetable shortening
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla
6 oz milk
1 cup fresh or fresh frozen raspberries
Garnish:
Raspberry syrup
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings

I am always concocting special desserts for special occasions. This is for my husband for Valentine's Day. Moist and tender, the subtle flavors of berries and baking cocoa meld well.

In a large bowl sift in all the dry ingredients. Beat in shortening with an electric mixer. Then add remaining ingredients ( except berries ) and beat all well. Fold in berries. Batter will be thick. Spread into a greased 9 inch square pan ( or 2 cake layer pans ) and bake in a preheated 325F oven until cake springs back in the center and test done in center, about 35 to 45 minutes .. Do not overbake. Cool cake completely. For a layer cake, spread layers with raspberry preserves and frost as desired . For cut from the pan pieces: drizzle with raspberry syrup and add whipped cream. Garnish if desired with fresh berries and chocolate shavings.