1/2 c. butter, softened
2 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
4 (1 oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 c. sifted cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. chopped pecans
Chocolate frosting
Pecan halves

Cream butter, gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add melted chocolate. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt and add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and chopped pecans. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove layers from pan and cool completely on wire rack. Spread chocolate frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with pecan halves, if desired. Yields, one 3 layer cake.