Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cake

** Recipe from The Sisters Cafe **

* 2 c. flour

* 1 c. sugar

* 1 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar

* 1 c. cocoa powder

* 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

* 1 c. Dr Pepper

* 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate work fine too!)

* 2 large eggs

* 1 c. buttermilk

* 1 c. canola oil

* 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour two 9" cake pans (or 9x13 or prepare cupcake liners).  Sift together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa and baking soda and set aside.  Heat the Dr. Pepper in a small saucepan over low heat.  Add chocolate chips & stir until melted.  Remove from heat.  With an electric mixer, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla for 2 min.  At lowest speed, slowly add the Dr. Pepper mixture and beat for 1 additional min.  Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat at medium speed for 2 min.  Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, and bake for 30-35 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool in pans for 15 min, then invert onto cooling racks, lift off pans and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Dr Pepper Frosting

* 3/4 c. butter flavored shortening - (Works fine with regular butter!)

* 6 Tbl. butter, room temperature

*4 c. powdered sugar

* 1/4 c. cocoa

* 1/4 c. Dr. Pepper (add more if desired, for thinner frosting)

* 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter [and shortening if using] until light and fluffy.  At low speed, gradually beat in the powdered sugar and cocoa.  Add the Dr. Pepper and vanilla, and turn mixer to high speed until frosting is light and fluffy ~ about one minute.