Mix:

2 cups sugar
2-3 tbsp. cocoa
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Then add:

3 cups flour
1 cup boiling water with 2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in it.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix in order given.

Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.