Yummy Cake

Some of you have requested the recipe for this yummy Appalachian Blackberry Cake that I made for mom's birthday.

1/2 c shortening*
2 c sugar
3 egg yolks
1/2 tsp allspice
2 & 1/2 c sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 c blackberries, drained juice reserved.**

*I used butter instead of shortening to be a little healthier, and we used a blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry mix of frozen fruit. **Since it was frozen and not canned, I boiled the fruit a little bit to make it cooked like canned fruit would be. You can probably use fresh fruit as well--we just couldn't find any.

Cream together shortening, sugar, and egg yolks until smooth. Add dry ingredients. (It will be a VERY dry batter at this point. It looked like powder actually. Don't stress.) Add berries. Mix well. This is when it is moister. The berries are the main liquid in the batter, some berries will be mushed since they are cooked. If it is not moist enough, add some of the reserved juice. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes

There was a 7 minute icing suggested for the cake, but it was super sweet and detracted from the cakey goodness. I would serve it with either a vanilla or butter pecan ice cream instead. It's got a dry coffee cake/crumb cake kinda texture, so it would probably make a good breakfast bread/cake as well.

Thanks for the help with the questions Cam!!
Love ya from Alyssa

P.S. - This was genuinely one of the best cakes I have ever tasted. I would not have it for breakfast but you know me - DO YOUR BODY A FAVOR - LESS SUGAR!! I would enjoy this cake with fresh whipped cream. Mom :o)