Devilishly Chocolate Cake

Oven 350°
Serves 12-16

1⅓ cups water
¾ cup cocoa
1¾ cups sugar
½ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoon baking soda
2¼ cups flour

Grease and lightly flour two 8-in round pans; cut a round piece of waxed paper to fit the bottom of each pan, place it into the greased pan and grease the waxed paper as well. In a small saucepan boil the water. Add the cocoa and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each egg. Pour in about half of the cocoa mixture and, scraping the sides of the bowl, mix thoroughly. Add salt and soda and mix. Add flour and mix well. Add the last of the cocoa mixture and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the pans. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on rack. Ice with Cocoa Butter Cream Icing.