2/3 c. soft shortening
1 2/3 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 1/4 c. flour
2/3 c. cocoa
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/3 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream until fluffy shortening, sugar and eggs; beat 5 minutes on high speed. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt. Add alternately with water and vanilla using low speed.

Pour into prepared pans, two 9 x 1 1/2 inch layer or 13 x 9 1/2 inch oblong. Bake at 350 degrees layer 35 minutes oblong 40 to 45 minutes. Frost with white icing for color contrast.