Let Them Eat Cake

Every year, for over a third of a century, I bake a German Chocolate birthday cake for Joyce. This year is no exception. The cake comes from a box, but the frosting is homemade. I use a recipe from Renae Bleak, Joyce's wonderful mother.

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
3 eggs yolks
1/2 cup butter (not margarine!)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/3 cups coconut
1 cup walnuts/pecans (I blend them together)

Combine the first 5 ingredients, cook and stir over medium heat until thickened - about 12 minutes. My experience is that it takes 20 or more minutes - don't be in a hurry. Add coconut and nuts. Beat until thick enough to spread. I let it thicken over a low heat for about 45 minutes and then let it cool down completely before putting on the cake.

I always double the recipe. Spread a very thick slab of frosting on the bottom layer of cake. Then spread another very thick slab of frosting on the top layer.