Sometimes you just need cake. This recipe will give you some quick, chocolate comfort food even if your oven is on the blink. Excellent after-school snack -- only 30 minutes from pantry to plate.

Things You'll Need:
Stove
Large pot with lid
roasting rack or aluminum foil
cake pan that fits inside pot
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup water

Fill a large pot with water about an inch deep (to the top of your rack). If you don't have a rack - as I didn't - simply crinkle aluminum foil so it forms a flat wad about an inch deep and about as long as your baking dish - 2 is best so the pan will be stable. Put on medium high heat and cover pot with lid.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add your egg and sugar. Mix those with electric mixer until just blended, then incorporate the rest of the flour mixture (don't over mix).

Add vanilla and mix briefly. Measure out your vegetable oil (canola is fine too). With the mixer running - slowly add the oil until it is all incorporated. Add water and mix briefly.

Your batter should be fairly thick and a rich deep brown - similar to a brownie batter.

Oil your baking pan -- I just use cooking spray -- and turn batter into prepared pan.

Remove the pot's lid (avoid escaping steam) and carefully place pan onto rack or foil. Make sure pan is fairly level and replace lid.

Cook for 25 minutes. Resist the urge to peek -- opening the lid will release the steam and set back your cooking time.

When time is up, carefully open lid and check cake with a toothpick or fork. If the fork comes out clean your cake is done. If not cover and cook a few more minutes (if you have to add water this will add extra time).

Use oven mitts to carefully lift pan from the hot pot -- I didn't have 2 mitts and was able to get it out with tongs. Cut yourself a nice warm slice. You can dust with powdered sugar, add store-bought frosting or serve in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream.