(1) Heat milk, then drop in chocolate blocks. When melted, stir to mix with milk, and add sugar, salt and syrup. (2) Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. (3) Cook to 232 degrees F., or until a small amount of mixture forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water, stirring several times during the cooking process. (4) Remove from heat; drop in butter. Cool to lukewarm (110 degrees F.); add vanilla, and beat until mixture thickens and loses its shiny appearance. (5) Turn into a buttered pan 8 × 8 × 2 inches. (6) Cut into 1½-inch squares when cold. Makes 24 squares.

CAKES • FROSTINGS

EVERYDAY CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

2 cups sifted cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon soda

½ teaspoon salt

⅔ cup shortening

1¼ cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla