Cream:

3/4 c. shortening
2 c. sugar

Sift:

2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
Dash of salt

Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

1 c. sour milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. boiling water

Add sifted dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with sour milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat well. Add boiling water slowly beating well. Batter will be thin. Pour into well greased and floured pans (or line bottom of pan with wax paper cut to fit). Makes 2 9-inch or 10-inch layers or 3 8-inch layers. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.