Valentine's Day

I guess you could call me a hopeless romantic. Because even though I've never had a date on Valentine's Day, I still get very excited come February 14th. I know you're not supposed to wait until a certain day of the year to show how much you love someone, but I understand how crazy life can get, so to take some time (even if it's planned by the chocolate companies) to show that special someone a little extra affection is fine by me!

And the best way to show someone you care? With cake. DUH. Chocolate cake will get you bonus points.

So I hope everyone is having a good day, single or taken. Hell, make this cake for yourself and you'll be feeling a whole lot better by the end of the day!

Devil's Food Cake (adapted from Mile High Cakes)

1 cup dark cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups hot water
3 cups brown sugar, packed
2 2/3 cup cake flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup plus 2 tbsp butter, room temp
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup cold water

1. Preheat over to 325. Grease 3 8" pans and line the bottom with parchment.

2. Mix the hot water and cocoa powder until cocoa is completely dissolved. Allow to cool to room temp. 

3. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Beat in butter and cocoa mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy (2 min).  In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla, and cold water until combined. Add the mixture to the batter in 3 additions. 

4. Divide the batter into the 3 pans and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pans.

Swiss Buttercream

8 egg whites
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
5 sticks unsalted butter, room temp
1 Tbsp vanilla

1. Over a double boiler, heat egg whites and sugar until hot to the touch. Put in stand mixer with whip attachment and beat until bowl is room temperature.

2. Add the butter 1 Tbsp at a time until all is incorporated. Add vanilla and beat until combined.