2 c. + 2 tbsp. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1/4 c. maraschino cherry juice
2 sq. (2 oz.) melted chocolate
1/3 c. chopped maraschino cherries

Spoon sifted flour into dry measuring cup. Level off and pour measured flour into mixing bowl. Add sugar, soda, baking powder and salt to flour and stir to blend. Add shortening and buttermilk to blended dry ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes with electric beater. Add eggs, cherry juice and melted chocolate. Beat for 2 more minutes. Stir in chopped cherries. Pour into 2 greased, waxed paper lined 9" layer pans or 9"x13" oblong pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes for layers or 40 to 45 minutes for oblong cake. Allow cake to cool for 15 minutes before removing from pans. Frost with chocolate frosting, or as desired.