2 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1/2 c. boiling water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. shortening (Crisco) or butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sour cream

Melt chocolate in boiling water. Add vanilla and mix. Add the baking soda to the chocolate mixture and stir until thick. Cool before adding to cake batter. Set aside.

Cream shortening. Add the sugar gradually, creaming well. Add the well beaten eggs and beat mixture well. Set aside.

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt. Add alternately with sour cream to the batter. Add chocolate mixture to batter. Bake in greased two 9 inch cake pans at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.