2 c. plain flour
2 c. sugar
1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. water
1/2 c. Crisco
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, well beaten

Mix flour and sugar in large bowl. In saucepan, add butter, cocoa, water and Crisco. Bring to a boil; add to flour and sugar mixture. Add buttermilk, soda, vanilla and eggs.

Bake in large broiler pan @ 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Hot Fudge Sauce:

3 oz. bitter sweet chocolate
1 stick butter
1 large can of milk
3 c. sugar
pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt chocolate and butter in top of double boiler, add sugar and milk a little at a time; add salt and vanilla. Cut the cold cake in small squares, split, put vanilla ice cream between, top with hot sauce, Cool Whip, and a cherry.