3 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1 c. unsalted butter
2 1/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar
3 lg. eggs
2 1/3 c. cake flour sifted
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. buttermilk
1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brush cake pans with melted butter, dust with flour, shake out excess. Chill until needed. Melt chocolate in top of double boiler, allow to cool. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix in melted chocolate.

Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, add gradually to chocolate mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir in boiling water and vanilla. Bake for 30 minutes or until done. Makes 2 (9 inch) layers. See Potpourri Section for Chocolate Icing Recipe.