1 3/4 c. all-purpose or unbleached flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. dairy sour cream
1/2 c. shortening or butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 c. hot water
3 sqs. (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate, melted or 3 envelopes premelted chocolate

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour bottom only of a 13 x 9 inch pan. Lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup; level off. In large bowl, combine first 8 ingredients; blend at low speed. Beat 2 more minutes at medium speed. Add remaining ingredients; beat 2 more minutes at medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely; frost with frosting.