Instructions: Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup fluted tube pan. In large mixer bowl, beat butter until creamy; gradually add granulated sugar, beating on medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate; beat until blended. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add to chocolate mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until blended. Add syrup and vanilla; beat until blended. Stir in pecans. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Sift powdered sugar over top, if desired. 12 to 16 servings.

* To sour milk: Use 1 tablespoon white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.