UGLY DUCKLING CAKE

What a terrible name for a cake! If you were a cake, would you want to be called that? I wouldn't. In the fairy tale, the Ugly Duckling didn't either.  He was so miserable he was going to give himself over the beautiful swans and end his life. He was surprised when instead of attacking him, they welcomed him. When he saw his reflection in the water, he understood why. He was no longer an "ugly duckling" but a beautiful swan.

I have no idea why Elvie Porter and Thelma Goodson, members of the Holly-Lark Extension Homemakers Club in Jones, LA both called this cake "Ugly Duckling Cake".  It does turn into a beautiful cake when it is finished (even though it doesn't necessarily start out ugly), so maybe that is what they were thinking. 

Whatever the reason, the Ugly Duckling Cake is so moist. Everyone at Hillcrest Thrift Shop loved it. It is sure to be a hit!

UGLY DUCKLING CAKE

1         yellow cake mix
1         16 - ounce can fruit cocktail
2        cups coconut, separated
2        eggs

1/2     cup packed brown sugar
1/2     cup margarine (1 stick)
1/2     cup granulated sugar
1/2     cup evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease or spray a 9 x 13 - inch pan.

Combine cake mix, undrained fruit cocktail, 1 cup of coconut, and eggs in a large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.

Pour into pan.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes. (Cake was done for me in 30 minutes)

Remove and place on wire rack.

Immediately prepare icing by bringing margarine, sugars, and milk to a boil in a saucepan (over medium heat) stirring constantly.

Boil for 2 minutes, without stirring.

Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the coconut.

Spoon hot over the cake.

Serve hot or cold.