CHOCOLATE RUM CAKE

Steps:

• Adjust rack one-third up from the bottom of the oven and preheat to 325°F.
• Choose a 9 inch Bundt pan or any other turban tube pan (10 cup capacity).
• Butter the pan well, then dust the whole inside of the pan with fine, dry plain bread crumbs.
• Shake out any excess crumbs and set aside.
• Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt, set aside.
• Melt chocolate in a small double boiler or microwave on low setting.
• Set aside to cool slightly.
• In a 2 cup glass measuring jug dissolve the coffee in the boiling water.
• Add cold water to the 1 1/2 cup line.
• Add 1/2 cup of dark rum. Set aside to cool completely.
• In a large bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, add the vanilla and sugar.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating until smooth.
• Add chocolate and beat to mix well.
• Adjust the machine to low speed, add the dry ingredients and the coffee/rum liquid alternately and gradually to avoid splashing.
• Scrape the bowl with a spatula, and beat until smooth.
• Pour into pan, smooth the top to make level.
• Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes.
• Test for doneness with a cake tester or a long thin barbecue stick and bake only until the tester comes out clean and dry.
• Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then cover with a rack and invert.
• Remove the pan.
• Using a pastry brush or any 1 inch bristle paint brush, paint the cake with the extra 1/3 cup of dark rum, it will absorb completely.
• Leave the cake on the rack to cool.
• The cake can be served plain, or it is delicious with coffee flavored whipped cream.