4 tbsp. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. boiling water
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
2 c. flour
4 tbsp. cocoa

Cream shortening; add sugar and beat. Add eggs and beat. Add flour alternately with buttermilk. Add soda to hot water and cocoa. Add vanilla. Makes a thin batter. Bake at 350 degrees in 9 x 13 inch pan for 40 minutes or in 2 layer pans for 30 minutes.

FROSTING:

1 1/2 c. sugar
6 tbsp. butter
6 tbsp. milk
1/2 c. chocolate chips (semi-sweet)

In saucepan mix sugar, butter and milk; boil 1 minute. then add chocolate chips. Stir in until melted. Stir occasionally until cooled and thick enough to spread.