Chocolate Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350.
2. 2
   Spray a 9-by-2-inch round cake pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment or wax paper.
3. 3
   In a bowl, sift the cake flour with the 1/2 cup cocoa and the baking soda.
4. 4
   In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened chocolate, and 1/2 cup of water.
5. 5
   Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the chocolate melts, about 4 minutes.
6. 6
   Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the butter until melted.
7. 7
   Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla.
8. 8
   Beat in the eggs and egg white and then the flour mixture until combined.
9. 9
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
10. 10
    Bake the chocolate cake for about 35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. 11
    Set the pan on a rack and let cool for 20 minutes.
12. 12
    Invert the cake onto a large platter and let cool completely.
13. 13
    (The chocolate cake can be kept, covered, at room temperature for 1 day.)
14. 14
    Just before serving, garnish the cake by sifting the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon cocoa evenly over the top.