1 2/3 c. all-purpose or self-rising flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

If using self-rising flour, decrease soda to 3/4 teaspoons and omit salt. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a long cake pan or 2 round pans. Beat all ingredients on low speed in large bowl, scraping bowl constantly for 30 seconds. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes. Pour into pans. Bake 30-40 minutes or until tests done. Cool layers 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely.

FROSTING:

1/3 c. butter, softened
2 oz. melted unsweetened chocolate, cool
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. milk

Mix butter and chocolate. Mix in powdered sugar. Beat in vanilla and milk until smooth and of spreading consistency.