Delicious Chocolate Beet Cake Recipe

1 c. margarine, softened
1 1/2 c. packed dark brown sugar
3 eggs at room temp
1-3 oz. dark chocolate (depending on how much chocolate flavor you are looking for)
5 medium beets or amount to equal 2 1/2 c. pureed beets
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour or 1 cup of both white and whole wheat flour
2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
confectioners’ sugar for dusting- cream cheese frosting would also work well

1)Make the beet puree by cutting off the stems and quartering them. (I leave the bottom of the roots on until I peel them in hopes that more of the beety goodness will remain inside during cooking)
2)Place in pot of water that covers the beets and bring to a boil.
3)Let them simmer for around 45 mins. or until a fork can be easily pushed into a beet.
4)While you are waiting for the beets, mix your other ingredients as follows.
5)In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and the brown sugar.
6)Add in eggs and mix well.
7)Back to the stove...once beets are done, drain off remaining liquid and rinse beets in cold water and let cool until you can handle them comfortably.
8)While you are waiting for that, melt your chocolate with remaining butter(1/4 cup) and stir until smooth (microwave works just fine for this-watch and stir when needed) Cool it a bit before blending into the mixture but don't let it get too stiff to work with.
9)Back to the beets...slide off the skins and put the beets in a blender or food processor until you've created a smooth puree.
10)Let the puree cool some more before using it.
11)Now, blend the chocolate mixture, beet puree, and vanilla into the creamed mix.
12)Combine your flour, baking soda, and seasonings in separate bowl them add to creamed mixture, mixing well.
13)Pour into greased pan of desired size. 13 x 9 works well.
14)Bake at 375 degrees for around 50 mins. Test the center with a toothpick if you're not sure.
15)Make sure to cool it in the pan for 15 mins. or so before removing to cool on counter or rack.
16)Topping of sugar or frosting can be used once cake is completely cooled.
17)Enjoy this amazing cake!

Back story: I made this cake to share with my fellow farming apprentices during a presentation I was giving about growing and using beets. I adapted the recipe from various ones I had found online and in cookbooks. It was gobbled up in no time and people are still asking me for the recipe. It's a moist cake(thanks to those nutritious beets!) and has a slight earthy flavor that is complimented by the sweet yet, rich dark chocolate addition. It's like nothing I've ever tasted before and can't wait to taste again.