Emily's Crazy Chocolate Cake - Allergies Be Gone!

While I don't have a picture yet of this lovely chocolate cake, I thought it important to post a little tidbit for all you out there who are inhibited by food allergies. Under my naturopath's care, I have currently cut out quite a list of items from my diet, including gluten, spelt, dairy and eggs. This has put a significant damper on my baking for the moment but I'm not going to let it lick me! Luckily, in turning my back on some of the more traditional ingredients, I find a whole new world of new ones.

Without further adieu...Emily's Crazy Chocolate Cake...adapted from allrecipes.com.

THE CAKE

• 2 c. boiling water
• 1 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-3/4 c. garbanzo bean flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)
  
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1/3 c. vegetable oil
• 2-1/4 c. white sugar
• 3 duck eggs (I found these at a local, natural food co-op)
  
• 1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over cocoa, whisk 'til smooth and set aside to cool down.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, oil and sugar together.
   
4. Beat in eggs, one a time, and then stir in vanilla.
5. Add the dry ingredients gradually, alternating with the cocoa mixture.
6. Pour into pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

THE FROSTING

• 3 T butter, softened
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 3-5 T water
• 4 cups powdered sugar

1. Beat together the butter and vanilla extract.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with water.
3. Keep adding sugar and water until you get the desired amount of frosting.
4. Frost the now cooled cake.
5. Enjoy!

Note: Definitely stay away from butter if you have any life-threatening reactions to dairy! However, I was told by a friend, who is also a naturopath, that butter can still be used for those with mild dairy sensitivities. We usually react to the proteins in dairy and there are almost no proteins present in butter. Good info to know!