Preheat oven to 180 degrees and grease a 22cm round cake tin

Beat together butter and sugar until light and creamy

Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition

Beat in vanilla essence and jam

Sift together flour, baking powder and cocoa in separate bowl

Stir baking soda into warm milk

Fold dry ingredients and milk alternately into creamed mixture

Fold in chocolate chips if desired

Bake for approx 45 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

Mix the icing ingredients until smooth adding hot water if required to reach a smooth consistency

Once cool lather the cake with a generous layer of icing.