Peppermint Candy Cake

2/3 cup margarine
1 2/3 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Combine margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla in large mixing bowl. Beat on high for 3 minutes.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder and salt.

Add alternately with water to creamed mixture. Blend just until combined; add candy.

Pour into 2 greased and floured round pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Eat plain or frost with vanilla icing. Garnish with crushed peppermint candy.

Pink Peppermint Frosting

2 unbeaten egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. lemon extract
Dash of salt
1 pkg. powdered sugar
1/3 c. butter, soft
Red food coloring
1/2 c. crushed peppermint stick candy

Beat with mixer at high speed until fairly stiff. Add gradually (about a cup at a time), 1 package powdered sugar. Beat until smooth. Scrape bowl often.

Add: soft butter and a few drops of red food coloring. Beat until well blended.

Stir in: crushed peppermint stick candy.

Frost tops and sides of two 8 or 9 inch layers.