1 cup flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup hot water

FROSTING:

6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 cup whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla

Position rack in lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add eggs, butter, vanilla. Whisk until it forms a paste. Stir in hot water until smooth.

Line bottom of a 13x9x2-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour contents into pan. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Make frosting while cake cools.

FROSTING:

In small saucepan melt butter. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Gradually stir in cream. Heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.

Cool until thick and spreadable. Frost cake.

Submitted by: Sherry Monfils