1 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/3 c. cocoa
1/2 c. boiling water (added last)

Put in cold oven right after lighting 350 degree oven. Bake 40 minutes. (8 x 8 inch pan plus a few cupcakes.)

CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Bring to boil; boil 3 minutes. Add vanilla; cool slightly. Beat until desired consistency.