Wicked Wiki-Waki Cake

I received this depression-era recipe from one of my patients, and boy am I glad they decided to share this with me.

Wiki-Waki (or Wacky) Cake apparently originated in the Great Depression, when oil and eggs were not affordable - and therefore not readily stocked in people's homes.  As a result, the need for a creative cake recipe that did not call for such ingedients was fulfilled by Wacky Cake.  I had never even heard of this cake prior to my patient sharing this with me...so an intrigued me decided to make this yesterday (it also happened to be my grandma's 78th birthday...nice coincidence).  This cake is so deliciously moist and dense - almost a brownie-like texture.  I just had another piece tonight - and am already looking forward to having more tomorrow.  For the icing, I just used ready made milk chocolate icing...you can make your own glaze or spreadable icing, or more simply, just sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.  I will also say that I do not own a sifter - so I just made sure the dry ingredients were mixed really, really well.  Also - do not be alarmed when the addition of vinegar makes the dry mixture fizz and bubble a bit.  Enjoy!

Here is the recipe:

Wiki-Waki Cake

You will need:

3 3/8 cup flour                                  2 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cup sugar                                 2 3/4 Tablespoon vinegar
4 1/2 Tablespoon cocoa                    3/4 cup melted butter
3/4 teaspoon salt                               2 1/4 cup cold water
2 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour a 13x9 pan.  Sift dry ingredients well; add wet ingredients.  Beat 2 minutes by hand.  Bake for 30 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. 

XOXO........................................Tiff. 

When you want to make AMAZING chicken...

...use this recipe. My mom made this for a family get-together, and we couldn't get enough. Even the chicken breasts were tender enough to cut with a fork...and the flavor, well, let's just say this over-night marinade is well worth the effort. Here is the recipe (which serves 8-10):

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) package pitted, bite-size dried plums
• 1 (3.5-ounce) jar capers
• 1 (0.5-ounce) bottle dried oregano
• 6 bay leaves
• 1 garlic bulb, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup pimento-stuffed olives
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 8 pounds mixed chicken pieces
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

Combine first 10 ingredients in a large zip-top freezer bag or a large bowl. Add chicken pieces, turning to coat well; seal or cover and chill for at least 8 hours (overnight is best), turning chicken occasionally.

Arrange chicken in a single layer in one or two 13- x 9-inch baking pan(s). Pour marinade evenly over chicken, and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar; pour wine around pieces.

Bake at 350° for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently.

Remove chicken, dried plums, olives, and capers to serving platter. Drizzle with 3/4 cup pan juices; sprinkle parsley evenly over top. Serve with remaining pan juices.

Enjoy!.........................................XOXO, Tiff.