Texas Sheet Cake (Variation: Chocolate Chili Cake)

It's true everyone has their own version of Texas sheet cake.  This one is from my mom's Junior League of South Texas Delicioso cookbook, and it always meets approval at our house.

I add salt, and if it's just for adults, I sprinkle in the cayenne pepper for extra pomp and spice.  I vouch for this as the best birthday party cake ever.  1) It is easy to ice and decorate (i.e., you don't have to ice sides or draw works of art in icing...you just set the cool stuff on the top). 2) One sheet cake can feed so many people.


Ingredients for cake:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/8-1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional, for adults)

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa

1 cup water

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

Ingredients for icing:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa

6 Tbs. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 lb. (2 cups) powdered sugar

Directions:
for cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease one jelly roll pan.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and pepper in large mixing bowl.
3. In saucepan, bring to boil butter, cocoa, water, and shortening over medium heat.
4. Mix into dry ingredients.  
5. Add buttermilk and eggs.
6. Pour into jelly roll pan and bake 12-15 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with crumbs.  It is important not to over-bake.

for icing:

1. 5 minutes before taking out cake, bring to boil in saucepan: butter, cocoa, milk, and vanilla.
2. Pour mixture into mixing bowl and beat in powdered sugar.
3. Pour icing over hot cake right out of the oven and spread evenly. 
4. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
5. Enjoy the party!