Easy Birthday Cake :)

Ryan always. Always. Requests a yellow cake with chocolate frosting for his birthday. So thats what he got. But I wasn't about to buy a box mix anymore. No offense, but there is nothing like a homemade cake!  This is from the Kitchen Aid cookbook but if you dont have one, any mixer is fine. Oh, and don't mind the decorations although they are quite priceless. Star Wars was Ryans favorite growing up and we decided to do a fun, kid themed party.

For 1 Cake:

2 1/4 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup low fat (1%) milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

1.) Combine dry ingredients in bowl of electric stand mixer. Add shortening, milk and vanilla. Attach flat beater to mixer. Turn to low and mix about 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl. Add eggs. continuing at low speed, mix about 30 seconds. Stop and scrape bowl. Turn to medium and beat about 1 minute.

2.) Pour batter into a 9x13 greased baking pan.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a cooling rack.

For Chocolate Butter-cream Frosting:

(makes about 4 cups)

6 cups powdered sugar

2 sticks of butter, softened

4-6 squares unsweetened chocolate,

melted and cooled slightly

8-10 tablespoons milk

1 tsp vanilla

1.) Combine 3 cups powdered sugar, butter, melted chocolate, 6 tbsp milk and vanilla in bowl of electric stand mixer.  Beat at medium speed until smooth. Stop and scrape down sides.

2.) Add remaining 3 cups powdered sugar; beat at high speed until light and fluffy, adding more milk, 1 tsp at a time as needed for good spreading consistancy.