Chocolate Cake

It's often argued that cake mix is one of those pre-made things that is just as good as homemade, but I disagree in the case of this chocolate cake. You kids now know this as "Dad's Favorite" which is exactly right.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 ½ tsps baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsps vanilla extract (don't use imitation if possible)
• 1 cup boiling water
• Chocolate Frosting (I use pre-made for saving time)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 350° Grease 2 9-inch cake pans, butter light flour, and round-cut parchment paper at the bottom.
2. Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and (optionally) espresso powder to stand mixer bowl; whisk or paddle until combined well.
3. Mix in milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla on medium speed. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water until combined well. Note: batter will seem thin, that's ok!
4. Pan and bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until a clean toothpick.
5. Remove, cool 10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Frost!