3/4 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. mashed ripe bananas
3 oz. (squares) unsweetened chocolate
2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. cold water

Cream butter and brown sugar until well blended. Beat in eggs, vanilla and bananas. Then chocolate that has been melted and cooled. Beat well. Mix together flour, soda and salt. Add to mixture with the water; mix well, then turn into 2 greased and lightly floured 9" layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until a pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand on wire rack for about 5 minutes. Then turn out on racks; turn side up and cool. Put layers together. Spread top and sides with chocolate icing. Garnish with sliced bananas and almonds if desired.