RED VELVET CAKE AU NATUREL! (BEET CAKE)

• 3/4c. cocoa
• 1 3/4 c. flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/4 lb. cooked, puréed beets
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2/3 c. vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Fold the beet mixture into the dry ingredients and pour into a greased 9-inch x 13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes. Ice if desired.

This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2009.