4 squares BAKER'S Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

1-3/4 cups sugar, divided

1-2/3 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened

3 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla


MICROWAVE chocolate, 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1/2 cup water in large
microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted,
stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool to
lukewarm.

MIX flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. Beat butter and remaining 1-1/4
cups sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and
fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour
mixture alternately with milk, beating until well blended after each
addition. Add chocolate mixture and vanilla; mix well. Pour into 2 greased
and floured 9-inch round cake pans.

BAKE at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center
comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire
racks. Frost as desired.