chocolate cake from scratch- two ways

3 c. flour

2 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/3 c. cocoa

2 tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 c. cooking oil

2 c. cold water

Mix dry ingredients well and add liquid ingredients and beat by hand. Pour in 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Mix ingredients by hand - DO NOT USE MIXER.

FROSTING:

4 tbsp. butter

4 tbsp. milk

1 c. sugar

Boil 1/2 minute. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

*NOTES -something doesn't seem right in this first recipe- but I am going to try it- will let you all know if it works.... and this is the reason for the 2nd recipe- that one seems more like it ;)

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from about.com

Thiscake recipe is simple to make. A dark chocolate cake is frosted with a lighter cocoa frosting.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup cocoa

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup boiling water

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and dust with cocoa two 9" layer cake pans. Set aside.

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir with wire whisk until blended. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and beat well with wire whisk or mixer until combined, about 2 minutes. While beating, heat water in microwave oven to boiling. Stir boiling water into cake batter.

Pour the thin batter into the two prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan, top springs back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

FROSTING:

This frosting can be used to frost any cake or cookie.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup cocoa

4-1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/3-1/2 cup half and half

1 tsp. vanilla extract

pinch salt

Preparation:

In large saucepan, melt together butter and cocoa. Stir until smooth. Using mixer, alternately beat in powdered sugar and milk until frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla and salt. Fills and frosts 2 9" cake layers.