For Cake And Country!

Every 4th of July picnic needs a chocolate cake! This recipe is a favorite in our family. It's a very moist cake and easy to make with ingredients that are kept in most pantries.

Chocolate Oil Cake

2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cocoa
2 cups water
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa. Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Beat by hand until smooth. Pour into a 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool completely and frost with Creamy Chocolate Frosting.

Creamy Chocolate Frosting

2 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons cocoa
6 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, sift together the confectioners' sugar and cocoa, and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter until smooth, then gradually beat in sugar mixture alternately with milk. Blend in vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. If necessary, adjust consistency with more milk or sugar.