“This is a family recipe for a sponge cake with a special chocolate custard frosting. Worth the effort to make,” writes Payroll Manager Cindy Lohrey. “I have no idea why it is called ‘Othello.’”

INGREDIENTS

Cake
5 eggs, separated
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup cold water
1½ cups sifted cake flour
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon baking powder

Frosting – Custard
½ cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups hot milk

Frosting – Chocolate
¾ cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
Warm water
1 ounce square unsweetened chocolate

INSTRUCTIONS

Cake
• Beat yolks until thick; add water and mix well. Add sugar slowly then add flour, baking powder and salt. Add vanilla.
• Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff. Then fold into batter.
• Pour batter into 9” springform pan (ungreased).
• Bake at 325° for 50 minutes.
• When cake is done, invert to cool.

Frosting – Custard
Mix in double boiler all the frosting ingredients. Cook for 5 minutes or until thick. Stir at all times to prevent lumps. Cool overnight.

Frosting – Chocolate
• Cream together (with beater) butter powdered sugar.
• Make a paste cocoa powder with a little warm water. Melt unsweetened chocolate. Add both chocolates to butter mixture.
• Add white custard mixture a little at a time until the right consistency is reached.
• Assemble cake by cutting the cake into layers and frost.
• Top with very finely chopped walnuts.

Do you have a favorite recipe? Shorelines wants to hear about it, whether it’s your best potluck item, a killer dessert, or a holiday specialty. Email us at shorelines@northshorebank.com.