Deep Dark Chocolate Cake

This was made to share with friends at their place.  Kids and adults enjoyed this moist cake and rich icing.  We put some locally picked strawberries on it to balance the sweetness.  A really great dessert.

2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

1. Heat oven to 350F.  Grease and flour two 9 inch round pans or one 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.
2. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.  Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of electric mixer 2 minutes.  Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes for round pans, 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular pan or until wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks.  Cool completely.  Frost.

ONE BOWL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

6 tbsp butter, softened

2 2/3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat butter in medium bowl.  Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spreading consistency.  Stir in vanilla.  About 2 cups frosting.