Simple Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, melt 3 squares chocolate and 2/3 cup butter in the hot water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix well with a wire whisk or eggbeater. Then stir in buttermilk, eggs, and 2 tsp. vanilla and beat until smooth. Pour into 13x9" pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until the top springs back when touched with a fingertip. While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a heavy saucepan, melt 2 squares chocolate and 1/4 cup butter together. Add powdered sugar, milk, 2 tsp. vanilla, and a pinch of salt and beat well. You may need to add more milk or powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency: the frosting should be pourable. When the cake comes out of the oven, let cool for 15 minutes, then beat the frosting again and pour onto the cake. Spread if necessary, and let the cake cool.

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