2 1/2 sq. (2 1/2 oz.) Hershey's unsweetened baking chocolate, broken into pieces
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/3 c. water

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In small microwave-safe bowl, place chocolate. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until smooth when stirred; set aside to cool slightly.

Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. In large mixer bowl, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs and cooled chocolate; blend well.

In separate bowl stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add alternately with water to butter mixture. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 35-40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost as desired. 10-12 servings.