When my son was born in 2013, he received a book titled Thunder Cake, by Patricia Polacco, from my Mother’s good friend and neighbor, Julie. Thunder cake is about a child who is afraid of Thunderstorms and her Babushka helps her overcome her fears of storms. 
For the past 4 years, we have carried on this tradition each summer (the season of the book and secret ingredient). My kids hate storms, and just like th book, the focus of making a delicious cake helps them stay calm.
So today, among the thousand things we must do, we are making Thundercake because it’s storming and the secret ingredient was JUST PICKED, rain boots, coats and all.
I recommend Vermont Nut-Free cocoa powder and tomato paste will work well if you do not have fresh tomato. Instead of a chocolate frosting, I make a chocolate glaze and top with strawberries. Enjoy!