Advent

Such a nice evening. Good friends, delicious holiday food, snow and holiday ale. We went to Vern and Shelly's place last night. Picked up Karen on the way and had a low key holiday beginning. We usually take in the Lynden Lighted Parade but it was too cold. The Edaleen Dairy entry came past their place so we did enjoy one entry. Since it was the beginning of Advent I brought the birthday cake. I make this for my guys on their special days & it is a family favorite.

Happy Birthday Cake and Mock Whipped Cream Frosting
1 3/4 c flour--------- 2 eggs
2 c sugar--------- 1 c milk
3/4 c cocoa--------- 1/2 c vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp baking soda--------- 2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp baking pwd--------- 1 c boiling water
1 tsp salt

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients except boiling water; beat at med. speed for 2 minutes.
Stir in boiling water. Batter will be thin. Pour into two greased and floured 9" pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Use a cake tester. Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans. Cool completely.

Mock Whipped Cream
4 T. flour
1 c milk
1/2 c shortening
1/2 butter or marg.
1 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Mix the flour & milk; cook until thick, stirring constantly. Cool thoroughly. Beat on high, using mixer the shortening, butter, sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy and then add the cooled mixture and beat until fluffy.