Aunt Moo's Dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, soy-free, nut-free Chocolate Cake

I've been getting a lot of requests for this lately, so I'm reposting.

Food allergic children have an especially hard time with party food. Most, including my peanut allergic and formerly egg-allergic Buddy, actually have to bring their own cupcakes to parties. How sad is that? Here's my plea to the non-allergic world: Consider the dietary needs of your child's allergic friends when planning your next party. Try to make them feel normal. Part of the crowd. Include your own child in this decision. Talk about how all people are different, and that it is our job figure out a way to meet everybody's needs. By making a cake that everyone can eat, you are teaching your child to accommodate others with special needs. Teaching a lesson in empathy and kindness and acceptance and compromise. Not to mention that fact that the allergic child will be elated that he will be able to eat the "regular" birthday cake*, just like everybody else.

This is a recipe that is cheap, quick, easy, "all-natural", and free of the majority of common allergens. It is egg free, peanut free, nut free, soy free, dairy free, fish free, shellfish free, MSG free, and food dye free.**

Aunt Moo's Allergen-free Chocolate Cake
3 cups all-purpose flour (This rules out wheat-allergic kids. Sorry, guys.)
2 cups sugar
6 T baking cocoa
2 t baking soda
1 t salt
2 cups water (or use brewed coffee/decaf for extra flavor)
2/3 cup canola oil
2 t white vinegar
2 t vanilla extract

Mix it all together in a big bowl.
Pour into a greased 13X9 pan. (I usually do lined cupcakes instead.)
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. (Cupcakes take more like 20-25 min.)
Freezes beautifully.

*Do not be surprised or offended if an allergic child refuses to eat your cake, even after his mom OKs it. Some kids are so well-trained (or afraid of their epi-pen) that they just won't eat it.
**Don't forget to check ingredients in whatever frosting you chose.

Please remember to check all foods/ingredients with the allergic child's parents. Save all of the labels of the food you're serving so the parents can check them for allergens. Thank you, and enjoy your cake!

Note: This cake is delicious, so even if allergens aren't a concern, try it out!