Directions

Cake: In a mixer bowl, sift flour with 1-cup ground chocolate, 3/4-cup sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Add shortening and 3/4 cup buttermilk. Beat on low speed to combine ingredients. Beat on low-medium speed for 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup buttermilk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat additional 2 minutes. Line two (8" x 1 1/2" ) round cake pans with waxed paper. Spread batter into pans. Bake at 350ºF for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on racks for 10 to15 minutes; remove from pans.

Frosting: In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat half-and-half with butter and 2 tablespoons sugar, stirring until blended. Add 1-1/2 cups ground chocolate, mixing with wire whip until smooth. Heat on medium-low until mixture is thick, shiny, and runs off the spoon like syrup, and the first bubble appears on the surface (160º F). Do not boil or overcook frosting. Cool 5 minutes, then add vanilla. Place pan of frosting in bowl holding a tray of ice cubes and some water. Beat slowly with a spoon until frosting holds a shape. Makes enough frosting for an 8-inch layer cake.