My new favorite baby: Steamed Chocolate Cake

Sunday was UDubb's baby shower.

I don't know if I've really expressed it, but I adore my sister-in-law.  And I am beyond excited for my new little niece.  I'm excited for UDubb, because I think she's going to really enjoy having a little girl and all that entails.  I'm excited for Thatbrother, because he is going to be such a great girl's daddy.  And I'm excited that this new little princess is going to be spoiled beyond belief by our family.  We've very low on girls in my family, so this will be a nice change. 

UDubb's shower was just as adorable as she is.  Her friends went all out in decorating in a very shabby-chic way.  Since the baby's nursery is pink and grey, they used those colors to set the stage.  The food was fantastic, with a make your own mimosa bar, sandwiches, salads, and an ombre pink cake made by one of her friends. 

The pink cake was a nice touch for a girly shower, but in truth, UDubb loves chocolate.  I was pretty surprised there wasn't a chocolate cake, a rich, fudgey chocolate cake.  Personally, I like my chocolate cakes less rich, which could be why I'm such a fan of red velvet, which has just the barest hint of chocolate.  This steamed chocolate cake is right up my alley.  It's not overly sweet, and the steaming ensures it's not overly dry.  Just a nice, spongey cake that is chocolate without being overwhelmingly so. 

I made mine using a pyrex dish with a lid, but any lidded mold will work.  The idea is based on Boston Brown Bread, which is a loaf cooked/steamed stovetop.  It's a concept that doesn't seem like it sound work, and yet it does.  Every time I use the method I expect I'll end up with a liquidy consistency, but that's not what happens.  Instead, it's exactly what you would expect from a cake - without heating up your entire home with a hot oven.

Steamed Chocolate Cake

1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate

3 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1. Butter a 1 qt mold that has a tight fitting lid. Heat water in a pot large enough to hold the mold.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a small pan.  Remove from heat and pour into aan electric mixer.
3. Stir in the sugar and egg, beating until smooth.
4. Add the milk and vanilla.
5. Stir in the flour, baking powser, and salt and beat until smooth and creamy. 
6. Spoon in the mold and cover.  Put in the large pot, cover, and steam for 1 1/2 hours.