1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 eggs
3 (1 oz.) sqs. unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 c. sour cream
2 1/2 c. cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2/3 c. water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 (9 inch) cake pans. Cream butter and shortening with brown sugar and vanilla. Add eggs; continue beating until very light and fluffy. Blend in melted chocolate and sour cream; beat 1 minute at medium speed to mix well (15 strokes by hand). Add dry ingredients and water. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed (450 strokes by hand). Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool completely before frosting.