THIRTEEN

 

Kip is delighted to be dressed up. Currently she's in her babushka era. 

2026 week thirteen

My birthday boots arrived this week. They are exactly what I hoped for. They do need some breaking in though. 

Matt turned 40 on Sunday. He wanted to have a hot dog party and felt that his birthday was a good excuse for that. 

He smoked about 70 sausages and set up a hot dog bar with various toppings and bun styles. 

We had some family and friends over to enjoy. 

It is a simple way to have a unique party. And it is easy to have people bring a unique hot dog topping. You get some pretty interesting ones. 

The weather could not have been better. 

Matt's Favorite Chocolate Cake

Matt's Favorite Chocolate Cake

2 cups sugar

4 oz unsweetened chocolate

1 stick butter

1 cup water

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp instant coffee

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1 tsp cider vinegar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp rum

1 1/2 cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups room temperature sour cream

Preheat oven to 375. Butter and flour a tube or bundt pan.

Melt the sugar, chocolate, butter, and water together on the stove. 

Whisk the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. 

Whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. 

Once the sugar, chocolate, butter mixture has melted, whisk to incorporate and let cool slightly. Add the wet ingredients. Then add in the dry ingredients. I always have to put the batter through a fine mesh sieve to get out any bits of clumps. Bake for about 35 minutes. Let cool in the pan. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 seconds increments. Stir smooth. Add in room temperature sour cream and stir until smooth and thick. Frost the cooled cake with your glorious sour cream ganache.