2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. chocolate flavored syrup
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. coconut (optional)

Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter adding sugar then vanilla gradually, until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Remove 2 cups batter and set aside.

Combine chocolate flavored syrup and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; stir into the 2 cups batter. Add coconut, if using, to the vanilla batter portion.

Pour vanilla batter into a greased and floured pan. Pour chocolate batter over vanilla batter. Do not stir.

Bake in the lower third of oven at 350°F for about 70 minutes.

Frost if desired.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

2 tbsp. water
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
2 sqs. unsweetened chocolate
1 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla

Combine in a double boiler over hot water: Corn syrup, chocolate squares, and water. When chocolate is melted, remove from stove. Add powdered sugar, stirring until good pouring consistency (about 1 minute). Stir in vanilla. If frosting becomes too thick, stir in a little hot water.