Mississippi Mud Cake

Happy Birthday to Greg who turned 41 today! The only thing he requested for his birthday was that I make him Mississippi Mud Cake. I had no idea what that was but he found a recipe online and printed it out. I made it and it was a hit. We all went into sugar-induced comas. I have decided to attach the recipe here if anyone dares to try it.

Cake:
1 c. (2 sticks) butter, cut into big chunks
1/2 c. cocoa
4 eggs, beaten well
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

Frosting:
One 16-oz box confectioners' sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 c. mini-marshmallows

1. To make the cake, heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13x9 inch pan. In a small saucepan combine the butter and cocoa and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture is well blended. Stir in the beaten eggs, vanilla, sugar, flour, salt and pecans and beat with a wooden spoon or a spatula or with a mixer at low speed until the batter is well combined and smooth, and the flour has disappeared.

2. Quickly pour the batter into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until the cake springs back when touched gently in the center and is beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.

3. Prepare the frosting while the cake bakes so that you will be ready to pour it over the hot cake. In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and the cocoa, and stir to mix them well. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla and use a large spoon or a mixer at low speed to beat everything together well. Set aside until the cake is done.

4. Remove the cake from the oven, scatter the marshmallows over the top of the cake and return the cake to the hot oven for about 3 minutes to soften the marshmallows.

5. Place the cake on a wire rack or a folded kitchen towel. Pour the frosting over the marshmallow-dotted cake, cool to room temperature, and then cut into small squares.

Bon Appetit