The Perfect Chocolate Cake

• 2 c. sugar
• 1-3/4 c. flour
• 3/4 c. baking cocoa
• 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 c. milk
• 1/2 c. vegetable oil
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 c. boiling water

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, or a 9 X 13-inch baking pan.

Stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be very thin-don't worry!). Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Bake 30-40 minutes (depending on pan size), or until toothpick inserted in center comes away clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 c. butter or margarine
• 2/3 c. baking cocoa
• 3 c. powdered sugar
• 1/3 c. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter; stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to desired consistency. Add more milk, if needed. Beat for 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla last. Makes 2 cups of frosting.