I don’t usually report my flops but I thought I should warn hopeful bakers before I try this recipe again. It was a hot mess! It started out promising... the batter was light and fluffy; it smelled great as it was baking. I took it out of the oven after 60 minutes because the tooth pick came out completely clean. The cake was tall and beautiful. So far so good. I looked away for 5 minutes and when I turned back to the cake, it had fallen to half its original height :(. Who stuck a pin in my cake and deflated it!?!? When sliced, the bottom half of the cake looked fudgy and half-done. The top half was dense but tasty. I will try it again... perhaps it needs more flour? Longer cooking time? I’ll write an update with the results of take 2. UPDATE - TWO WEEKS LATER: I tried it again, let it bake 1 1/2 hour, same results...a fallen cake (but a great chocolate flavor). I guess this one just isn't for me. If you try it, good luck. If it doesn't work out, try "Easy Chocolate Chip Pound Cake" on this site.

Reviewed On: Jan. 1, 2008

Ooh wee!! Oh my goodness!!!! This is off the hook!! My tips: 1 T olive oil, Jennie-O Sweet Italian Turkey sausage, 1 cup onion, 4 med. carrots, 3 celery stalks, 1 T minced garlic, 1 t dried basil, 1/4 t dried rosemary, 1/4 t dried tarragon, 1/2 t oregano leaves, 1/2 t dried parsley, 1/2 t crushed red pepper, NO SAGE, 1 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes, 5-6 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup red wine, and 1 27 ounce can of kidney beans (do NOT drain them). Cook the pasta (or rice) separately and add it as it is eaten; the soup is great with or without the shells. You'll love it...my mom sure did :)

Reviewed On: Dec. 8, 2007

Yummilicious! I have one recommendation: double the sauce! It’s the bomb!

Reviewed On: Dec. 7, 2007