Mother's Oh & Ah! Cake

Directions

Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃).

Combine chocolate and hot water; stir until chocolate melts.

Let cool, then add food coloring and baking soda.

Stir and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar, salt, eggs and shortening until fluffy.

Mix in a third of the flour, then ⅓ cup sour cream; repeat twice.

Add chocolate mixture; beat about 2 minutes on medium speed of mixer.

Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake about 45 minutes for 13-by-9-inch pan (less for cake pans), or until toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean.

Remove from pans and let cool on rack before frosting.