Southern Red Velvet Cake

In the south there are some things that just go with the theme of love. Like chocolate. And red velvet cake.

And did you know that red velvet cake has cocoa in it?

Of course, you probably did.
I was surprised to recently have a lady tell me that cocoa was her red velvet cakes secret ingredient.
I wanted to say, honey...all red velvet cakes worth eating have chocolate in them. But I didn't. I let her think hers was special. And I am sure it was. But to not have cocoa would be sacrilege to the cake. I promise it would.

Red Velvet cakes are synonymous with love. Many southern brides or grooms will have a red velvet cake as their wedding/grooms cake.

My son Bama request a homemade red velvet cake every year for his birthday. It's his hands down favorite.

I am also a HUGE fan, as I once told my girlfriends that I wanted an armidillo cake. They came through with this red velvet charmer....(cake provided with lots of love from my friends the Clematis Club).
Yes, there really "is nothing like a good piece of a$$". Even if it is shaped like an armadillo.
I did say that. Didn't you see Steel Magnolia's?

Forgive me, I got off subject. And forgive my tank and shorts outfit. It was a pool party, y'all.

You were lucky not to catch me wearing my thong. (Smile)
Or better yet my birthday suit.
Ok, before I completely ruin your appetite, on with the cake.....
Today in honor of St Valentine's Day, I share with you my recipe for Southern Red Velvet Cake.

Make it. Share it. Find love.

Leigh's Red Velvet Cake ( Just one cake pan away from Love Happiness & Marriage)

Cake:
2 cups sugar
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1- 2 ounces red food coloring (one bottle or 2, the more the darker red)
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tsp almond flavoring
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon white vinegar


Cream Cheese Frosting
(please don't even think about serving this was some whipped topping for icing. Cream Cheese icing is THE ONLY thing fit to top this cake. Trust me. Don't even think about anything else.)
½ cup margarine (softened)
8 oz. cream cheese
½ tsp vanilla flavoring
1 box of confectioners sugar (1 pound)
1 cup pecans (may also want some extras to sprinkle on top)


Cake Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter, beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Mix cocoa and food coloring together and then add to sugar mixture; mix well. Sift together flour and salt. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Blend in vanilla & Almond flavoring. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar and add to mixture. Pour batter into 3 (8-inch) round greased and floured pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from heat and cool completely before frosting.

Directions for Icing:
Beat the margarine and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl until light and creamy.
Add vanilla and confectioners sugar and beat well.
Hand stir in pecans.
Spread cream cheese icing between layers of the Red Velvet cake, up the sides and on top.
If you have lots of pecans, then sprinkle some pieces on top.  The pecans are especially good toasted a bit in the oven for this recipe


Todays post is linked to Foodie Friday, hosted by the hostess with the mostess, Michael Lee West of Designs by Gollum. Click over to see more Foodie Friday contributors.