2 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
1/2 c. hot water (from hot water tap)

Combine above ingredients and beat well. Sift together:

2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
4 rounding tbsp. cocoa

Mix together and add to the above mixture. Now measure 1 full cup of boiling water and while holding this over the batter, stir in 1 rounding teaspoon baking soda, let foam over and add the rest of the water to the batter. The batter will be quite thin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 or 30 minutes or until done.