2 cups cake flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 cup water
1 cup butter, cubed
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine cocoa and water until smooth; add butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; add to dry ingredients and stir well. Combine the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla; stir into chocolate mixture.
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350� for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For chocolate sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and butter. Bring to a boil; boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Serve warm with cake and ice cream. Garnish with cherries if desired. Yield: 20 servings.