Chocolate-Maraschino Cherry Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until combined.
7. Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined.
8. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Maraschino cherries are made from red, ripe cherries which are soaked in a brine of water, sugar, and food coloring.
• Cocoa powder is made from cocoa beans, which are dried, roasted, and ground into a fine powder.
• Buttermilk is made from the liquid leftover from churning butter.