1 (4 oz.) pkg. German sweet baking chocolate
1 c. butter
3 c. plain flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
4 eggs, separated

Combine chocolate and water and bring to a boil, stirring until chocolate melts. Cool. Stir in vanilla and set aside. Cream butter and gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate mixture and beat until blended. Combine flour, soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Beat egg whites at room temperature until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing then cool completely before frosting (see German Chocolate Icing recipe).