More, Simple Traditions

If you are a regular, you might remember that I posted about Mike's favorite birthday cake last July. I lamented that year after year he asks for the same (plain) Pound Cake. Don't get me wrong, I like it very much, the cake is very dense, yet light and is perfectly scented with vanilla. It is just that after so many years, it gets a bit boring as the head-birthday-cake-baker.

Well. I just had a shocking realization. I am the same way. EEK.



Earlier this week, I turned 31. My mom made the birthday cake and you know what? She didn't even have to ask me what kind of cake I wanted. Yep. It is true. For the last several years I have asked for the same Chocolate Chip Cake. It is my favorite cake. I can't think of enjoying a different cake.

The recipe comes from Susan, mom's college roomie and good friend.

Chocolate Chip Cake

1 stick butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs, separated
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
16 ounces sour cream
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

12 ounces chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, cream butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar, then mix in the egg yolks and vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda and baking powder together into a separate bowl. Alternately add sour cream and then dry ingredients into butter mixture. Beat eggs whites until stiff, then fold into batter. Mix last 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon together in a separate, small dish.

In a greased 9″x13″ pan, pour in half of the cake batter. Sprinkle the top with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and half of the chocolate chips. Pour remaining batter on top, sprinkling the top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar and chocolate chips.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.