Cake, Quick and Easy

The towering layer cake is a fixture on the Southern table, whether it be a simple one with filled layers and a frosted top for a family Sunday supper or an imposing one, swathed in a stately coating of elaborate icing and sitting center for a formal meal.

This cake is quick and easy to make, and lends itself well to a variety of fillings, icings and occasions.

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

Preheat oven to 350*; prepare 2 8" pans or 1 9"x13" pan.

Sift together:
1 2/3 cup unbleached flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Stir in:
1 cup buttermilk (not non-fat; not low-fat if you can avoid it)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Spread batter evenly in prepared pans (batter will be stiff-ish), bake 20-25 minutes for 8" pans and 35-45 for 9x13 pan. Cool in the pan for five minutes, then fill and ice with whatever you like!