Sour Cream Cake

Since my mom did most of the cooking for our family, most of the family recipes I have come from her side of the family.  This cake, however, is one of the few recipes I have that comes from my dad's mother.  She raised seven boys and somehow still managed to find some time to bake.  When my dad was growing up this cake was dubbed "tooth cake" because my grandma would often make it when one of her boys lost a tooth.  Isn't taking the time to celebrate an every day moment like that absolutely wonderful?  Sometimes she would bake coins into the batter so her boys would find an extra surprise in their piece of cake.

This recipe was our most-requested birthday cake growing up.

Sour Cream Cake
Note: This recipe can be halved to make an 8x8 pan.  The baking time may need to be decreased if recipe is halved.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups sour cream
Chocolate chips, if desired

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 pan.

2. Sift dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.  Add the eggs, vanilla and sour cream.  Beat for 2 minutes.

3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  If desired, place rows of chocolate chips on top of cake immediately after removing from oven.