Chocolate Pudding Fudge Cake

This cake is absolutely the most scrumptious (fattening) and lovely cake you have ever tasted. It's a huge hit, everyone wants the recipe, and I always tell them it's a family secret. Ha! I just don't want to let out how easy it is. I have tried all sorts of variations on this, white cake with vanilla pudding, lemon curd between the layers, whipped cream on top... Experiment with it, have fun.

I have also tried a "low carb" version. You can get the cake mix and pudding made with Splenda. Of course, then you're going to have to leave out the chocolate chips and M&M's. But, as my daughter Gillian says... why bother? If you are going to celebrate, go for it.

1 package devil's food cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 C sour cream
1 C milk
1/2 C vegetable oil
1/2 C water
4 eggs
2 Cups semisweet chocolate chips
Frosting:

6 T butter
1 C semisweet chocolate chips
1 package chocolate M&M's

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour cake pans

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, milk, oil, water and eggs. Beat for 4 minutes, then mix in chocolate chips

Pour batter into prepared pans, Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Set on a wire rack until cooled.

Melt butter and 1 cup chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Drizzle over the entire cake. Sprinkle M&M's on top and sides to decorate.

Chili Relleno Casserole

When I first made this recipe and brought it to a potluck dinner it was inhaled in no time flat. One of the women asked me for the recipe. I started to recite it to her... her comment to me was, "don't tell anyone... it's too easy and no one will believe you!" So, I'll share it with you here. Plus, it's a family favorite. Serve with rice and black beans.

4 eggs whites
4 egg yolks (beaten)
1 cup monterey jack cheese (grated)
1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
1 or 2 small cans chopped green chilies

Pour both cheeses into bottom of casserole dish. Add can(s) of chilies.
Beat egg whites until nearly stiff. Fold beaten egg yolks into egg whites. Spread egg mixture on top of chili cheese mixture and bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.