PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on MEDIUM 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

ADD sugar; beat with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla. Add 1/4 cup of the flour and the baking soda; beat until well blended. Add remaining 1 cup flour alternately with water, beating well after each addition. Pour evenly into greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan.

BAKE 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Garnish with Chocolate Glaze (see Tip below) and seasonal fresh fruit just before serving, if desired.