So Tim's birthday cake looks pretty, but it didn't turn out very well at all. I'm not going to post the recipe because it tasted like Marzipan instead of Black Forest cake. I'm pretty mad that I made it actually, I was really disappointed.
I am going to post the frosting recipe. My mom has been using this chocolate frosting for years, and it is divine. I almost never make any other chocolate frosting. This one is really fast and I never have to go to the store for ingredients.
-1/2 c. butter
-3 (1 oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate (Baker's chocolate)
-1 lb. powdered sugar (1 box or about 3 3/4 c.)
-1/2 tsp. vanilla
-1/2 c. milk*
Directions:
Melt chocolate and butter carefully in the microwave (don't scorch the chocolate!). In a large bowl, combine sugar, vanilla, and most of the milk. Blend in the hot melted chocolate and mix well, allowing the chocolate to melt the sugar. Add remaining milk if needed, a little at a time, until you like the consistency. Let it stand until spreadable (it thickens as it cools).
You can pour this over your cake while it's still hot if you want a glaze/ganache, or let it thicken up for a more traditional icing (great for layer cakes too!)
*Reduce milk to 1/4 cup for a frosting that's great for piping. It will still be thin at first, so let it sit out for about 15 minutes after making, or move to the fridge for a few minutes to thicken up. This is delicious on chocolate cupcakes!