Cream butter or margarine and sugar together in a large bowl
Add vanilla, and then eggs to the mixture
In another bowl, mix together flour, soda, baking powder, and salt
Sour the milk by adding the lemon juice or vinegar
Add flour mixture alternately with soured milk to the creamed mixture
Mix cocoa and hot water together, and beat into batter
Bake 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Cool, and frost with desired frosting
Garnish with cherries
