CHOCOLATE CONVERSATION HEART CAKES

[Candace]

CHOCOLATE CONVERSATION HEART CAKES

1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
1/4 c. plus 2 T. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. water
1/4 c. plus 2 T. vegetable oil
1 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Creamy Frosting (recipe below)
Red Decorating Gel

Heat oven to 350~ F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 x 2-inch
baking pan.

Stir together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa,
baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Add water, oil, vinegar
and vanilla; beat with whisk or spoon until smooth. Pour
batter into prepared pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until
wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10
minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely.
Transfer to cutting board. Using 3-1/4 inch heart-shaped
cookie cutter, cut cake into 8 to 10 hearts.

Prepare Creamy Frosting. Spread desired color on top of each
heart. Write a "message" on each with decorating gel.


Creamy Frosting:
1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. sifted powdered sugar
2 to 4 tsp. milk
Food color

In meidum bowl, beat butter and vanilla until blended.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in milk
until frosting is at desired consistency. Divide frosting
into two or three parts (depending on desired number of
colors wanted to frost hearts). Add few drops food color to
each part. Makes about 3/4 c. frosting.

[faxonfive]

This sounds yummy....but what does the vinegar do?

[rtebalt]

Why are these called "Conversation Hearts?" Do you write little sayings on them with the frosting?