Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      ounces        unsweetened chocolate
   1      cup           shortening or 1/2 lb butter
   2      teaspoons     vanilla
   2      cups          cake flour
   2      cups          sugar
   1 1/2  teaspoons     baking powder
   1      teaspoon      baking soda
   1      teaspoon      salt
   1      cup           milk
   4                    eggs

Preparation:

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F. In a small, heavy-bottomed pan, melt chocolate and shortening, stirring over low heat until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate mixture, milk and eggs, beating until smooth. Spread mixture in two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 30-to-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pans 5 minutes before turning out onto wire rack.