Ingredients

2/3 C. butter
2 eggs
3 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 C. buttermilk
8 oz. cherries, pitted and halved
2 C. white sugar
2 1 oz. squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 tsp. baking soda
1 C. beer
1/4 C. cherry juice
1 C. chopped walnuts
2/3 C. butter
1 egg
4 1 oz. squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
4 C. sifted confectioners' sugar
3 Tbs. milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Sift flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream 2/3 C. butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs and 2 squares melted chocolate. Add flour mixture alternately with beer, buttermilk and cherry juice. Mix until smooth, then fold in cherries and chopped nuts. Pour batter into a 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cake comes out clean.

To make frosting, in a large bowl, combine 2/3 C. butter, 1 egg, 4 squares melted chocolate, confectioners sugar and milk. Beat until smooth. Spread on top of cooled cake.

Yield: 24 servings