Beverly's Dark Chocolate Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Butter and flour 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan.
3. 3
   Place sugar, cocoa, and salt in large bowl.
4. 4
   Pour in oil (do not mix).
5. 5
   Place baking soda in medium bowl; stir in 1 1/2 cups hot water (mixture will bubble up).
6. 6
   Add baking soda mixture to cocoa mixture and, using electric mixer, beat until cool, about 1 minute.
7. 7
   Beat in flour, then eggs and vanilla.
8. 8
   Transfer batter to prepared pan.
9. 9
   Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
10. 10
    Cool cake completely in pan on rack.
11. 11
    (Can be made 1 day ahead.
12. 12
    Cover and store at room temperature.)
13. 13
    Cut cake into squares and serve.