Cake

• 2 cups (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  Select product: Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract, 8 oz.

  Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract, 8 oz.

  $5.19
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups water

Buttercream frosting and filling

• 3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
• 6 cups sifted powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
• 1/4 - 1/3 cups milk
• 3 squares (1 oz. ea.) unsweetened chocolate, melted

Tools

• 2 8-inch round cake pans
  Select product: Performance Pans Aluminum Round 8-Inch Cake Pan

  Performance Pans Aluminum Round 8-Inch Cake Pan

  $9.39
• Cooling rack
  Select product: Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Cooling Rack, 16 x 10-Inch

  Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Cooling Rack, 16 x 10-Inch

  $6.99