Killer Homemade Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 squares (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate
• 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 4-1/2 cups Chocolate Buttercream Icing (see other link for recipe)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350.  Spray 2 9 inch round baking pans with PAM.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.  In large microwavable bowl, melt chocolate and butter for 2 minutes or until butter is melted.  (Mixture can also be melted on top of stove in heavy saucepan over low heat.)  Stir until smooth.  Transfer to large bowl; add sugar and beat with mixer until well blended.  Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla; mix well.  Add flour mixture alternately with milk;  beat until well blended and smooth.  Pour into prepared pans.

Bake 32-36 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pan 15 minutes.  Remove to cooling grid; cool completely before decorating.