2 c. sugar
1 c. butter
2 1/2 c. sifted cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. buttermilk
1 package German sweet chocolate
1/2 c. boiling water
4 beaten egg yolks
1 tbsp. vanilla
4 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Cream sugar with butter. Sift salt, soda with flour and add it alternately with the buttermilk. Melt the chocolate in hot water over low heat. Add chocolate to the batter after the chocolate has cooled. Add beaten egg yolks. Add vanilla and fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into greased and floured pans.

Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Make this in three 8-inch layers.

Topping:

1 c. evaporated milk
1 c. sugar
3 egg yolks
1 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients in saucepan and cook 12 minutes. Add 1 cup pecans and 1 can flaked coconut, if desired. Spread between layers, on top and sides of cake.