We have had a busy week full of wonderful things made even more wonderful by visiting friends.

Clara is the lovely woman in the center of these two pictures!

On Wednesday, my son’s godmother happened to be in town and staying with us on her birthday so I couldn’t resist trying out this chocolate cake recipe I had seen years ago on my friend Clara’s blog. Here’s the link. Full disclosure, this was originally a Hershey’s recipe. But Clara’s post about it is so charming (as is her whole blog that she and her husband write. I highly recommend paying it a visit!) that I think whenever I make it I will think of her, not Hershey.

Since I had company I didn’t do a good job at photographing the process because i was having some really great conversation, but this is the gorgeous, rich, fluffy product!

Anyway, I was really hoping this cake was true to its name and EASY because I would be baking it while our company was here and I didn’t want to miss out on any time with them! It was! And what makes it special is that you melt baking chocolate squares with boiling water to make the base of the cake. I did not use hershey squares, I used Ghiradelli (probably a west coast preference/prevalence) Whatever chocolate you use, this method makes it super rich and chocolatey and delicious. We got to catch up with our guests as it baked and then had dinner while it cooled off before I made the whipped cream (I made WAY too much because I did not pay attention to how much the recipe made… my son will get to enjoy strawberries and cream the next few days…)

The birthday girl and one of her 2 (soon to be 3!) gorgeous sons!

The only picture my phone had memory for! Hoping I get a few more messaged to me.

We also got to share this delicious cake the next day with my amazing college mentor who happened to be in town traveling through for the day. It was a fabulous surprise and we had a great time catching up about her year in London and what’s next for both of us. It is such a joy to have these communities of people who are normally far away get to spend some time in person.

When we are together it is almost as if no time has passed and this chocolate cake is definitely a perfect way to celebrate!

Quick and Easy Chocolate Cake by Hershey’s (via doeshecollectbutterflies.blogspot.com)
4 bars (4 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate) broken into pieces
1/4 c. butter
1 2/3 c. boiling water
2 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. dairy sour cream
2 eggs
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extractHeat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

In large bowl, place chocolate, butter and boiling water, with spoon, stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Add flour, sugar, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, salt and vanilla; beat on low speed of electric mixer until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake 35 to 40 min. or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Frost as desired.

Topping with homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberries was also taken from Clara’s tradition and was the perfect compliment to this decadent cake! Smiles all around!

BONUS: I’m posting about birthday cake on Harry Potter’s Birthday! The nerd in me is so happy.