The CAKE!

Here's photos of the cake. I bought the Southern Living Christmas at Home magazine (2008) and this recipe was in it. Meanwhile, just drool! Merry Christmas! The only thing I did different was the topping. I used a bag of milk chocolate chips (Ghirardelli) and 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream. About 40 seconds in the microwave, stirred really well and added 1 tablespoon coffee liquer, then drizzled it over it. Added toasted pecan pieces to the top and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. I have not tasted it yet, but look at it, how can it not be good?! It is after all, Southern Living tested! I found the recipe on the SL site and it credits original submitter at end of the recipe, as I have pasted it below.

Prep: 20 min.; Bake: 1 hr., 20 min.; Cool: 45 min.

Yield
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 (16-oz.) can chocolate syrup
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes: Wintry-White Icing, strawberry slices
Preparation

1. Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH for 30-second intervals until melted (about 1 1/2 minutes total). Stir in chocolate syrup until smooth.

2. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla and melted chocolate just until blended. Pour batter into a greased and floured 14-cup Bundt pan.

4. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack, and let cool 30 minutes or until completely cool. Garnish, if desired.

Jerry Mills, Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living, DECEMBER 2007