1/2 c. lard or shortening
1/2 c. cocoa
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. sour milk or 1 c. sweet milk soured with 1 tbsp. lemon juice or 1 tbsp. vinegar
2 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. boiling water
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt shortening and cocoa; add sugar and mix. Add sour milk, a little at a time to mixture and beat well. Sift flour, soda and salt; add to other ingredients. Last, add boiling water and vanilla. Beat well. Bake in well-greased tube pan in 350 degree oven for about 50 minutes OR in two 8 inch pans for about 35 minutes.

Optional: When cool, frost with favorite icing.