Deep Dark Chocolate Cake

2 C sugar
1 3/4 C flour
3/4 C baking cocoa
1 1/2 t baking soda
1 1/2 t baking powder
1 t salt
2 eggs
1 C milk
1/2 C vegetable oil
2 t vanilla
1 C boiling water

Combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Last add boiling water. Bake in 9x13 pan, or 2 9 inch rounds at 350 for 30-35 mins. I prefer the rounds but these are my tricks for getting them out of the pan successfully. I grease and flour the pans, then cut out parchement paper to put on the bottoms of the pan. Wait for the cakes to cool completely before removing. Use a knife to cut around the edges.

Buttercream Frosting
6 T softenend margarine
2 2/3 C powdered sugar
1/2 C baking cocoa
1/3 C milk
1 t vanilla

Beat margarine then add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk. Add vanilla. I really never measure the powdered sugar but just keep adding until it's the right consistency for spreading.

This is the cake I've brung to family dinners for years.

Cheese Potato Soup

5 C diced potatoes
1 C shredded carrots
3 C chicken broth
1/2 C chopped onion
1/2 t salt
pepper to taste
3/4 C margarine
3/4 C flour
1 qt half and half
2 C grated cheese

Combine potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, onion, salt, and pepper in soup pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer until vegetables are tender but not over done, about 20 mins. Don't drain liquid off. In a saucepan melt margarine then add flour to make a roux. Add the roux and half and half to pot. Slowly bring heat up until thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted.
Half a batch is enough for my family, but I have freezed the other half for later use. This is comfort food we love with homemade bread, just pay no attention to nutritional values.