The Best Chocolate Cake

2-1/4 c. unbleached white flour
1-1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
1-1/2 t. baking soda
3/4 t. salt
1-1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1-1/2 t. vanilla extract
1-1/2 t. white vinegar
Frosting of choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wait 10 minutes before starting to make the cake. Meanwhile, butter and flour 2 8" cake pans and set aside. When the 10 minutes are up, thoroughly combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Pour in the water, oil, vanilla, and vinegar and stir until well combined. Pour into the prepared pans. Bake 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes, then remove the cakes from the pans and cool completely.

When the cake is completely cool, frost and decorate as desired. Chill at least 30 minutes, then bring back to room temperature before serving.

Serves 8.

Adapted from Quick Vegetarian Pleasures, p. 215.