1/2 c. cocoa powder
1/2 c. boiling water
2/3 c. shortening (by using canola oil)
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs or (4 egg whites plus sour skim milk, heart healthy recipe)
2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. buttermilk or sour milk

Cream shortening, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add alternately with milk to creamed mixture. Blend in cocoa mixture. May bake in 2 (9 inch) pans or one 9 x 13 inch at 350 degrees 35 to 40 minutes. Cool and frost as desired; OR to keep it light, just sprinkle with 10X sugar. Placing a lacey doiley down before sprinkling is a super easy and quick way to decorate.