• 2¼ cups (270 gm) all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup (27 gm) cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp (4 ml) salt
• 1¼ cups (313 ml) water
• 2 eggs
• 1+ 2/3 cups (166 gm) white sugar
• 1¼ tsp (6 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml) baking powder
• 3/4 cup (187 gm) margarine or butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350°F or 180°C.
Grease and flour two 9" (23 cm) diameter round layer pans. (parchment paper on the bottom makes for easier removal)
Cream together the sugar and the butter and then beat in the eggs.
Add the water and vanilla and mix,
Add all other ingredients, mixing at low speed, scraping bowl as needed.
Beat for three minutes at high speed, still scraping the bowl.
Pour into pans. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean.