1/4 lb. sweet baking chocolate
2 tbsp. water
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. soft butter
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. buttermilk

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 (8 inch) layer pans. Melt chocolate with water in small pan. Combine melted chocolate and remaining ingredients in large mixer bowl. Blend 30 seconds at low speed of mixer. Beat 4 minutes at medium speed. Pour batter into pans. Bake 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and frost.