2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 c. water
3/4 c. sour cream
1/4 c. shortening, butter
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted, cooled

Grease and flour 3 (8 inch) round or 2 (9 inch) round pans. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Measure all ingredients into large mixer bowl. Beat 1 minute on low, scraping constantly. Beat 3 minutes on high, scraping occasionally. Pour into pans. Bake 30 minutes or until springs back when touched lightly. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Turn out on rack and cool. Frost with:

1/3 c. butter
3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted, cooled
3 c. confectioners sugar
1/2 c. sour cream
2 tsp. vanilla

Beat chocolate and butter together. Beat in sugar, sour cream and vanilla, beating until smooth.