Almond Joy Cake

Do you like Almond Joy candy bars? Then you will go gaga over this cake! If you aren't big into making cakes by scratch, you can use a chocolate box cake, but I don't recommend those....the ingredients in them are horrible! I have altered this recipe to suit my family...I've "tried" to make it "healthier!" :) Some recipes call for evaporated milk (I used half & half)
The cake recipe is actually from one of my Julia Childs cookbooks. It's yummy by itself.



Almond Joy Cake

The Cake:
1- 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, separated
2 large egg whites
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350. Oil & flour a 9x13 pan.
Sift together 1 cup sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda & salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together, egg yolks, oil, water & vanilla until blended. Whisk dry ingredients into yolk mixture until blended. Set aside.
Beat all 6 egg white until fluffy & then add 1/2 cup sugar. Beat until stiff peaks. Fold 1/3 of whites into chocolate batter to lighten it then turn chocolate mixture into remaining white and fold it in gently.
Place in pan and cook 35-40 minutes.

Coconut Filling:
1/2 cup half & half
1 entire bag mini marshmallows
3 cups sweetened coconut
In a saucepan, stir together half & half and 1/2 cup sugar; bring to a boil. Remove from heat & add marshmallows until the melt. Add coconut, stir well and then spread on top of warm cake.

Chocolate Topping:
1/2 cup half & half
1/2 stick land o' lakes unsalted butter
1- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sliced Almonds
In a saucepan combine 1/2 cup half & half, 1/2 cup sugar & butter and bring to boil. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Melt until smooth. Add vanilla. Add about 3/4 cups almonds, stir & pour that over coconut layer.
Sprinkle remaining almonds over the top of cake. Refrigerate to firm it up. Let cool completely before cutting.


ENJOY!

What does one do when Iced/Snowed in?

One cooks & bakes & eats & watches movies & eats & eats & eats!!! Then one feels horrible for eating SO much!

Dear Body~
I know you have endured many hours of pain during my workouts at the gym. You've been tired & sore many times. You have heard me complain about you, pinch you, measure you, poke you, cry over you. I have put you through the ringer this weekend with all the food I've eaten...it's all my fault, I don't blame you this time. After all the food that has been put into my mouth this weekend---you are the one who will suffer the consequences. I'm sure after eating the chicken, mashed potatoes & rutabaga, stuffing, peas, rolls, Quiche, popcorn, a bottle of wine, bagels, eggs, chips, peanuts, strawberries, yogurt & granola, Chinese food, chips & salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, Fajitas & a too die for CHOCOLATE ALMOND CAKE, you have gained at least 4 pounds. I know you're ashamed of me...I'm ashamed of myself for eating so much. But it was all so good and there was nothing else to do. I'm sorry to tell you that you will be extremely sore this week as I will be pulling overtime in the gym---I vow to go back to my healthier eating choices and portion control. I will not weigh you or measure you this week. I will not let you down again, because without you there is no ME!! Can I have just one more slice of cake?
Me

I made Julia Child's favorite dessert ever. Chocolate Almond Cake.
I am not one who usually craves/loves chocolate....but after this cake I think I am a huge fan. Seriously, TO DIE FOR!!! The frosting is incredible.

You can find the recipe online if you don't have her cookbook.