Step #1 To melt the chocolate, place this in a double boiler over simmering water on low heat for 5-10 mins (about; stir every once in awhile until completely smooth & no pieces remain; remove this from heat & let cool 5-15 mins or until lukewarm.
Step #2 Line two 12-c muffin tins with ccake papers; set aside.
Step #3 In a bowl, sift the flour & baking soda together; set aside.
Step #4 In a big mixing bowl, cream the butter, using an electric mixer on MEDIUM speed, until smooth.
Step #5 Add the sugars & beat for about 3 mins or until fluffy.
Step #6 Add the eggs, one at a time, beat well after each addition.
Step #7 Add the chocolate, mixing until well incorporated.
Step #8 Add the dry ingredients, in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk & vanilla.
Step #9 With each addition, beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overmix.
Step #10 Scrape down the batter from the sides of the bowl, using a rubber spatula, to make sure the ingredients are well mixed & the batter is smooth.
Step #11 Carefully spoon batter into ccake liners; fill 3/4 full.
Step #12 Bake in a 350° oven for 20-25 mins or until pick comes out clean.
Step #13 Cool in tins for 15 mins.
Step #14 Remove from tins & cool completely on a wire rack.