Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake

2 c white sugar

1 3/4 c all-purpose flour

3/4 c Hershey's 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 extract

1 c boiling water

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking pan or two 9-in. round baking pans.

2. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into pan(s).

3. Bake 30-35 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. If using the two round pans; remove from pans to wire racks. If using 9x13 pan, leave in baking pan. Cool completely. Frost with "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting or frosting of your choice. 10 to 12 servings.

CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups with paper bake cups. Fill cup 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes. Cool; frost. About 30 cupcakes.

"Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting

1 stick (1/2 c) butter or margarine

2/3 c Hershey's cocoa

3 c powdered sugar

1/3 c milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Melt butter. Stir in cocoa.

2. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed to spreading consistency. Add more milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups.

So here's the thing...I'm sure there is someone out there who does not appreciate chocolate or the love of it...but honestly I don't know who that would be! :) Chocolate is such a comfort food and pretty much puts a smile on your face. One of my memories of chocolate comes from a memory of my aunt Ruth. For as long as I can remember, I could count on finding a Hershey's chocolate bar in her purse or in her pocket. I'm pretty sure it was the Hershey with almond bar, but I am getting older...so I may be wrong. :) I use to get the biggest kick out of seeing not only 1, but a "couple" of these chocolate treasures in her bag. The funny thing is...I grew up and often have done the same thing. There is nothing quite like the taste of some good old fashioned chocolate and honestly...Hershey's does it right.

I have made so many cakes on my cooking journey, but I have to say this is the best chocolate cake recipe I have ever found. I just happened to look on the back of a Hershey's cocoa container and "poof" there it was. I made it and my husband, brother-in-law, my boys and myself just about died and went to Heaven ( you know what I'm saying?!). The above picture has peanut butter icing, which happens to be Jeremy's fav. I never have been much on measuring things, so I will have to figure that recipe out and post soon. I seem to cook and bake with a little bit of this...a little bit of that...etc....I'm sure you get the picture.

Enjoy...enjoy...enjoy this cake. If you make this cake and are not completely satisfied, I offer a 100% kick yourself in your pants guarantee. :) Plus...in moderation...chocolate is good for your health...antioxidants. :)