2 c. cake flour, sifted or 1 c. plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
1 1/2 c. light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
3 (3 oz.) sqs. unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 c. plus 2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Sift together flour, soda and salt, in a large bowl. Beat shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs until mixture is very light and fluffy. Stir in chocolate. Combine milk and vanilla. Alternately add dry ingredients and liquid to beaten egg mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. After each addition beat until smooth. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 inch layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, remove from pan and cool on rack.

QUICK FUDGE FROSTING:

1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. white corn syrup
1/2 to 3/4 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/4 c. milk
Dash of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar and cocoa in heavy saucepan, add butter, milk, syrup, and salt. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Boil 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until thick enough to spread. I double this frosting recipe and boil it for 5 minutes instead of 3 minutes.