Thunder Cake

In our reading workshop time this week, the fourth graders have been reading the story Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco.  This story is about a little girl who is afraid of thunder.  Her grandmother helps distract her from her fear by creating a special treat: a "thunder" cake.  As she works through the steps of making the cake, the little girl forgets her fears and enjoys the adventure with her grandmother.  At the end of the book, the author included a recipe which the class wanted to have shared with them...

Grandma's Thunder Cake

Cream together, one at a time
1 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs, separated
    (Blend yolks in.  Beat whites until they are stiff, fold in.)
1 cup of cold water
1/3 cup pureed tomatoes

Sift together
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup dry cocoa 
1  1/2 tsp baking soda 
1 tsp salt
     
Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture.  Bake in two greased and floured 8 1/2 in. round pans at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Frost with chocolate butter frosting.  Top with strawberries.