4 squares unsweetened chocolate
1/2 c. hot water
1/2 c. sugar

Place chocolate and water in double boiler. Melt, add sugar. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Cool. 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 c. butter 1 1/4 c. sugar 3 eggs 2/3 c. milk 1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour, soda and salt together 3 times. Cream butter, add sugar gradually and cream until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add half of flour and beat until smooth. Add milk and remaining flour alternately in 2 parts each, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and chocolate mixture and blend. Bake in 9"x13" pan that has been greased and floured or bake in 2 (9") layer pans at 350 degrees about 30 minutes. Frost with favorite chocolate frosting. This was the birthday cake of choice for many years.