Cafe 93, Rotini Pasta Salad, Black Magic Cake, Neighborhood Fireworks

ace to get a burger is at Cafe 93 in Kingsport and he wanted to go there this past week. It's hard to please me with a burger. My favorite burger is the one I make at home. They were busy at the restaurant so it's a favorite for many others.
We celebrated the 4th with our neighbor. They have established a tradition for the 4th to invite friends and neighbors for a pot luck and fireworks. The kids really enjoy it! I can't stay to watch their fireworks because I need to be at the barn to make sure my horses aren't too scared and try to jump the fence. Neighbors all around us shoot fireworks and they are just as impressive as going to the city fireworks show. I made a Rotini Pasta Salad and Black Magic Cake to take to the event. There was a lot of food, fellowship and a good time had by all.
Email: [e-mail]
ROTINI PASTA SALAD
16 oz. Rotini pasta, multi colored
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
4 oz. Pepperoni, diced
1 green Bell Pepper
1 small red onion, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cucumber, seeded and diced
1x 6 oz. can black olives, drained (optional, we don't use them)
8 oz. Zesty Italian Dressing
6 oz. Parmesan cheese, shredded
1. Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente.
2. Drain pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside
3. Prepare remaining ingredients.
4. Mix everything together (except Parmesan cheese) and pour Italian Dressing over the top. Toss to coat.
5. Add Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for flavors to come together.
BLACK MAGIC CAKE
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 cup strong black coffee, cooled
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup oil (canola or vegetable)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Mix all together and beat for about 2 minutes. Batter will be thin. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes.
FROSTING
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup unsweetened chocolate chips, melted
3 cups powdered sugar
3 T. milk
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Mix with a hand mixer until smooth. Spread over top of cooled cake.

[@sandrawyrick]

where are you located? I live in Kingsport.