Depression Cake

We are in a crazy time in our world.  So  many people are struggling financially as thy wait for assistance.  The grocery stores are picked over and some items are non existent. Our country (and the world) has gone through hard times before and I know that we can make it through this with our heads held high.  But as we struggle, sometimes it is good to look at history for advice and ideas.

A week or two ago I saw a recipe on facebook for Depression cake.  This cake recipe was developed during the great depression.  It was developed at a time when it was difficult to find items.  Butter and Eggs were a luxury and therefore baking a cake for a celebration or a simple treat was extremely difficult.  But through the ingenuity of our ancestors, they came up with a recipe for Chocolate cake.  And on my, does it ever taste good.  It has no eggs and no butter!  It is simple to make and well..I already said, it's delicious!  So let me share this with you!

Depression Cake

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup Sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tps vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water.

Directions:
1. Spray a 13x9 baking sheet with a non stick cooking spray
2.  To the baking pan, add the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt.  Whisk together.
3.  Make three small wells in the flour mixture two small and one large.  In the first well pour the vanilla in the second well, pour the vinegar and in the third (and larger well) pour the vegetable oil. 
4. To the pan add 1 cup of water.   Stir until well combined.  Spread batter evenly in the pan
5.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until done. (Insert a toothpick or knife in the center of the cake,when it comes out clean the cake is done.)
6.  Eat without icing or use your favorite frosting recipe to enhance this delicious cake.  One easy and economical way to add a topping is to take a bag of chocolate chips and pour over the cake immediately upon removing it from the oven. Spread the melted chocolate evenly and allow to cool.


I told you it was easy didn't I?  I made this a week ago and Jason asked me last night if I can back another one for him to snack on this week.  So that is a WONDERFUL testament to how good this cake tastes!   Happy Baking....enjoy!