Judith Miller's Date-Chocolate Bit Cake

Although born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judith Miller moved to Kansas when she was 17 and has considered herself a Kansan for many years— especially since she was born on Kansas Day. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas and worked for many years as a legal assistant both in private and government law offices. She is the author of more than 30 books and novellas and considers her writing a ministry as well as a profession. Drawn to unique settings and historical professions, she has taken readers from the mills of Lowell, Massachusetts to a 19^th century southern resort, and even to a kitchen house in Amana, Iowa. She has won several awards for her writing and her books frequently can be found on the EPCA and CBA bestseller lists. Learn more about Judi and her books on her Website HERE.

Judi's newest book release: A Simple Change

Published by Bethany House Publishers - July 2013

Middle Amana, 1881

When her parents decide to sell their home and move to the Amana colonies, Jancey Rhoder must make a difficult decision. Should she give up her beloved teaching job and carefree life in Kansas City to go with them?

Her suitor, Nathan Woodward, doesn’t want her to go, but Jancey feels she must give this new life a try. Her mother is ill, and these next few months may be the last Jancey gets to spend with her. But will this move spell the end of her relationship with Nathan? And when life in Amana is far more mysterious and challenging than Jancey expected, will she choose to return to the city, or will she make this unique place her forever home? Buy Judi's book HERE.

Judi's recipe for Date-Chocolate Bit Cake

1 cup chopped dates

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1 cup sugar

¾ cup shortening

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ chopped nuts

¾ c. chocolate bits (I use the mini-chocolate chips)

½ c. sugar

Pour the boiling water over the dates and baking soda and let sit while you mix up the rest of the cake batter as follows: Cream sugar and shortening, then add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add flour and cinnamon and mix well. Slowly add the date mixture and mix until well blended. Pour into greased 9x13 cake pan. In small bowl, mix together nuts, chocolate bits, and sugar. Sprinkle over top of cake. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Can be served with cool whip or vanilla ice cream, but it’s great just plain, and no need to frost!!

This is my “go to” cake that can be prepared quickly and I’ve never served it without someone asking for the recipe. I always have the ingredients on hand.