Not only is baking one of those things that brings happiness to people, but it is also fun, therapeutic and a piece of cake once you learn the basicsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Who could resist the smell of freshly baked apple pie or cinnamon buns? I know I can’t! One of the easiest recipes I can pass down for beginners is this Chocolate CakeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. OMG! This cake is irresistibly rich and full of flavorGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Follow this recipe and tips for best resultsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Tips

• Preheat your oven as you start
• Prepare all ingredients
• Use good quality cocoa, dark or milk; the flavor will differ depending on which you choose
• Sift all your dry ingredients
• When cake cools, slice in half horizontally with a serrated knife and fill with desired filling
• Grease your baking trayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I prefer using coconut or olive oil spray
• Don’t skip the saltGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It will bring out the flavor of the chocolate

Recipe

Auntie Elis’ Rich Chocolate Cake: Yields 12 cupcakes or an 8″ cakeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

You will need:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 1/4  cup boiled water
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar

Be sure to preheat oven to 350 degreesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Then, mix the dry ingredients in a bowlGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. After doing so, mix the wet ingredients well into a second bowlGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. After, combine both wet and dry ingredients after mixing them thoroughly and pour into a prepared baking trayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

For cupcakes, bake for 30-35 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. For the full cake, bake for 40-45 minutesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Once ready, be sure to let cool and enjoy!

Eleni Louca is the Art Director for Give Me AstoriaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Prior to joining the Give Me Astoria team, Eleni was (and still remains) an internationally-renowned baker, and has created works of art in the form of cakes, cupcakes, and much moreGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Eleni owned the famous Auntie Elis Bakery, located in Larnaca, CyprusGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. If you would like to learn more about Eleni Louca’s baking work, you may visit her InstagramGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Be sure to check in next Tuesday to see what Eleni’s whipping up, as it’s sure to be a treat!