A SANTA FOR CHRISTMAS

A SANTA FOR CHRISTMAS














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TEXAS CHOCOLATE CINNAMON CAKE
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  2 c. flour
  2 c. sugar
  1/2 c. butter
  4 tbsp. cocoa
  1 c. water
  1/2 c. shortening
  1/2 c. buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream
  2 eggs, beaten
  1 tsp. vanilla
  1 tsp. baking soda
  1 tsp. cinnamon


ICING:

  1/2 c. butter
  4 tbsp. cocoa
  6 tbsp. milk
  1 tsp. vanilla
  1 lb. box powdered sugar
  1 c. pecans, chopped (optional)

Combine flour and sugar. Bring butter, cocoa, water and
shortening to a boil in a saucepan (do not leave
unattended!) and then pour the mixture over flour and sugar,
beating well all the while.

Add buttermilk (you can substitute 1/2 cup milk with 2
teaspoons white vinegar), eggs, vanilla, soda and cinnamon.

Mix well and pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.

Five minutes before the cake is done, melt together butter,
cocoa, milk and vanilla for icing.

Pour hot mixture over powdered sugar and beat. Stir in
pecans.

Spread on cake while it is warm, as soon as it is taken from
the oven.

Good to take on picnics and trips. Keeps well and can be
served straight from the pan.