Combine cocoa and 1/2 cup of the sugar in large saucepan. Gradually stir in water. Cook and stir over medium heat, until mixture boils; cool. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Cream butter in large mixer bowl until light; gradually beat in remaining 1-1/4 cups sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in cooled chocolate mixture and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with milk, combining lightly after each addition. Divide batter between two greased and wax paper-lined 9-inch round layer pans.
2.
Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans; peel off paper. Cool completely. Frost with Chocolate Frosting Royale. Makes 1 layer cake.
Chocolate Frosting Royale: Melt 1/3 cup butter in large saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup milk Fry's Cocoa and 1 tsp vanilla. Alternately blend in 4 cups sifted icing sugar and 1/2 cup milk until frosting is smooth and spreadable. Makes about 2 cups.
