Something special

Here's the cake I made for my mother for her birthday awhile ago. She absolutely loved it! (Based off of a recipe from La Dolce Vegan)



Chocolate Espresso Cake

1 cup natural sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (soy, rice, anything you desire)
1 shot of espresso (I've used strong coffee before and just added a little extra)
1/3 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, stir the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add the milk, espresso, applesauce, and vanilla. Lightly stir until just mixed. Spray a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray and spread the cake mixture evenly in the pan. Bake for about 40-45 minutes. Let cool for about 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan. If you plan to put frosting on it, make sure it is completely cooled.

I absolutely love these spices together. It's my version of garam masala.

Bella's Garam Masala

1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon coriander
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 heaping teaspoon nutmeg

Stir together and store in an airtight container.