SOUR CREAM CHOCOLATE LOAF CAKE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack one-third up from the bottom of the oven; preheat oven to 325°.
• Butter a 9x5 inch loaf pan; dust it lightly with fine, dry bread crumbs; invert pan over paper and top to shake out excess.
• Place the chocolate and instant coffee in a small mixing bowl; add in the boiling water; stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted.
• Then let stand to cool to room temperature; it is all right if the chocolate settles to the bottom.
• Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
• In a large bowl of an electric mixer cream the butter.
• Add in the vanilla and brown sugar; beat to mix well.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until it is thoroughly incorporated.
• On low speed gradually add the sifted dry ingredients, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula and beating only until smooth.
• Then add the sour cream and again beat only until smooth.
• Finally, stir the cooled chocolate and gradually, on low speed, beat it inches.
• The batter will be thin; pour it into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 60-75 minutes, until pick comes out clean.
• Cool the cake in the pan for several minutes; then cover with a rack, invert pan and rack, remove pan, and let cake cool upside down.
• When the cake is cool, prepare icing.
• Icing: place the chocolate in the top of a small double boiler over hot water on low heat.
• Cover and let the chocolate melt.
• Meanwhile, place the butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and the egg in the small bowl of an electric mixer; beat until smooth.
• Add in the warm melted chocolate; continue to beat until smooth and creamy.
• Spread the icing over the top of the cake; smooth it, or you can make deep zigzag ridges by moving a spatula or the back of a spoon through this thick, creamy icing.
• Let the cake stand for an hour or so until the icing is set (if you refrigerate this cake, the icing will become firm fudge candy).