Basic Chocolate Cake

Directions

Place chocolate in top of a double boiler; bring water to a boil.

Reduce heat to low; cook until chocolate melts.

Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add chocolate, mixing well.

Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; add to chocolate mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

Mix after each addition.

Add water, mixing well. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.

Bake at 350℉ (180℃) for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire