How To make French Chocolate Cake/1953 Winner

2 c All-purpose flour
3/4 ts Baking soda
1/2 c Cocoa powder
3/4 ts Salt
1/3 c Butter or margarine
1 1/3 c Sugar
3/4 c Water
1/2 c Sour cream
1 ts Vanilla
3 Egg whites
Brown sugar chocolate -frosting: -- * A junior winner in the cakes division-1953 Pillsbury Bakeoff. Sift together the flour, soda, cocoa powder (unsweetened) and salt; set aside. cream butter until fluffy and light then add water, sour cream and vanilla. Mix with flour mixture and beat until smooth. Beat egg whites for 1 minute then fold into batter. Pour batter into 2 well greased and lightly floured cake pans. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Cool then frost.
* Brown Sugar Chocolate Frosting: Combine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan. Cook until a little syrup dropped into cold water froms a soft ball. Remove from heat and add 2 squares chocolate; stir until melted and smooth. Blend in 2 cups sifted confectioners sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt, alternately with 1/4 cup cream. Beat well then add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Thin with additional cream if necessary, a few drops at a time.JM. -----