Norwegian Chocolate Cake

I don't know why it's Norwegian. I found this in a tattered cookbook called Recipes from Famous Kitchens, and it was offered by Dow Chemical. Come to think of it, I'm unclear exactly what Dow Chemical has to do with either Norway or cakes, but that's to ponder another time.

NORWEGIAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick or 1/4 lb) butter, softened
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups flour
1/2 cup boiling water
2 ounces semi sweet chocolate, melted
2 eggs
1/2 cup boiling water (yes, a second half cup)

In a large mixer bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour and baking soda, and add with the buttermilk and the first half cup of boiling water. Beat for 2 minutes. Stir in the melted chocolate, eggs and the second half cup of boiling water, and beat another 2 minutes. Turn into a greased 13x9" baking pan, and bake at 350F for 38 to 43 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cook, then frost with vanilla cream frosting or whatever else you choose.

My kids thought this cake was good, but the level of excitement wasn't such that I'd do this over a chocolate cake that uses cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate. (But, since I'd run out of cocoa powder, I had little choice.) It was, however, nice and moist and crumbly. Just my opinion.

In other news, today is Ryan's 14th birthday. Where did the time go? *sigh* Another birthday cake tonight, but at least the eldest sister is here to decorate this one.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!