Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

In an 8"x8" square baking dish, measure the dry ingredients - all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cocoa. Blend lightly with a fork.

Step 3

With the back of the measuring spoon make two small indentions in the dry ingredients. With the back of a measuring cup make one additional yet larger indention. In one of the small indentations pour 1 teaspoon vinegar, in the other small indentation pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. In the larger indentation add 5 Tablespoons vegetable oil. (I don't know why the wet ingredients are separated this way, but this is what the recipe called for so I always do it)

Step 4

Pour coffee / water mixture over all and mix with a fork just until thoroughly blended. Place baking pan on the middle rack of preheated oven and bake for 35 - 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Mine always takes 40 minutes)

Step 5

Bring cake out of oven and cool. Top with your favorite frosting, or just slice and enjoy the cake plain - great for the kid's lunchboxes.