Party In My Mouth Chocolate Torte

In Atlanta, the roads are finally starting to clear. Hooray!!! It's a good thing because I've been suffering with cabin fever. And to amuse myself, I've been playing practical jokes on Pap. But this isn't anything new. All our married life he's had to endure my shenanigans. But I think it's safe to say that he's enjoyed the fun that's always been a part of our marriage.

Speaking of fun. How about a challenging game of Backgammon and a thick slice of delicious chocolate cake?

Ingredients for Filling:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 cups 2% milk
1 cup chocolate syrup
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract  

Ingredients for Batter:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups chocolate syrup
1/2 cup water

Ingredients for Frosting:
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 egg whites
1/3 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions for Filling:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in milk and syrup until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.

2. Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of mixture into egg; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir o 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring often.

Directions fr Batter:
1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add o creamed mixture alternately with syrup and water. Beat until just combined.

2. Pour into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire rack to cool.

3. Cut each cake in half horizontally. Place one bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with a third of he filling. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake.

Directions for Frosting:
1. Combine the sugar, egg whites, water and cream of tartar in a large heavy saucepan over low heat or double boiler over simmering water. With a portable mixer, beat mixture on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating on low speed over low heat until frosting reaches 160 degrees, about 8-10 minutes. Pour into a large bowl; add vanilla. Beat on high speed until frosting forms stiff peaks, about 7 minutes. Pipe or spread over top and sides of cake. If desired, garnish with chocolate curls.