1-3/4 cups sugar, divided

1/2 cup water

1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine or butter, softened

3 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

 

Heat oven to 350 deg.  Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans.

 

Microwave chocolate, 1/2 cup of sugar and water in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes, or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring halfway through heating time.  Stir until chocolate is completely melted.  Cool to lukewarm.

 

Mix flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.  Beat butter, melted and remaining 1-1/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating after each addition until smooth.  Stir in chocolate mixture and vanilla.  Pour into prepared pans.

 

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.  Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans.  Cool completely on wire racks.  Frost with Baker's One Bowl Chocolate Frosting.

 

Makes 12 servings.