When I think of Valentine’s I think of flowers, romantic dinners and dessert. If I had to pick one of the three….well it should be obvious! Dessert. My mantra is that “life is short so eat dessert first.” So, there should be no exceptions on Valentine’s. I know just the spot you should go to pickup a bite to eat!
One of my favorite places to go in all of OKC is Nonna’s in Bricktown. I have the pleasure to call Mrs. Avis Scaramucci a friend. She is one sassy mama who took her passions and built an empire. She started with The Painted Door in the early 90’s on the Southside of OKC. There she opened an eclectic gift store but was soon selling her family favorite baked goods. I remember eating there with my mom for OU Mom’s Weekend! She and I shopped and then ate till we were so full we almost rolled out of the building! Now, she owns Nonna’s in Bricktown. It is a fixture in downtown OKC and is a must go to spot when wanting to impress anyone! Here Avis and her staff prepare incredible meals using only the finest fresh ingredients she can find! In fact, she has her own greenhouses where she grows all of her own ingredients. That is a common practice in California restaurants but it is unheard of here in Oklahoma. Bravo to this mama who dreamed big and is getting it done with exceptional style and taste in Bricktown!
So, you may ask…what is Ms. Scaramucci’s best item she sells in the bakery? Well it is none other than Avis’ Chocolate Cake. They sell between 200-250 chocolate cakes each week! This recipe is the same one that she raised her family on. She told me that when she needed a sheet cake or cupcakes this is the recipe she used every time. I am so honored that Ms. Avis has given me the blessing to share her recipe with everyone! It is simple yet heavenly….just warning you now! The frosting is addictive….so beware and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Come by tomorrow and see me at The Painted Door from 11-2! I will be there signing my new cookbook. Love this fabulous store and can’t wait to meet you! Come by and give your sweetie the gift of great recipes that will win over your heart every time!
Avis’ Chocolate Cake
IN BOWL COMBINE:
2 cups Sifted Flour
2 cups Granulated Sugar
½ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Soda
IN A SAUCE PAN COMBINE:
¼ cup Crisco
1 cup Water
½ cup (1 stick) Butter
4 tablespoons Hershey’s Cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Melt and bring to a boil. Add to dry ingredients in the bowl. Then add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla.
Beat with mixer and pour into greased and floured 9” x 13” pan. Bake at 425º F for 25 minutes.
ICING:
4 tablespoons Hershey’s Cocoa
½ cup (1 stick) Butter
4 tablespoon cream
dash of salt
2/3 box powdered sugar
Bring these to a boil. Add cream, dash of Salt and 2/3 box Powdered Sugar (1 pound box). Mix with electric beater until smooth and have ready when cake comes out of oven. Ice while the cake is hot.