Sift together 3 times:

2 1/2 c. sifted flour
4 tbsp. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

2/3 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. boiling water

Cream shortening with sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add 1 egg and cream until light and fluffy; add 1 more egg and beat again. Add 1 cup buttermilk alternately with flour mixture. After all flour and milk is well mixed. Add 1 cup boiling water and mix well. Bake in 13 1/2 x 8 3/4 inch pan at 350 degrees.

When ready to serve cut the cake into squares. Cut the squares into the middle, cut a piece of ice cream and put in the middle, so you would have cake, ice cream, cake. Pour Hot Fudge over the top. Add Cool Whip and cherries.

HOT FUDGE SAUCE:

1 stick butter
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 can evaporated milk
1 lb. box powdered sugar (sifted)

Melt butter. Add chocolate chips to melted butter. Add evaporated milk, 1 box powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Let cook on low heat until thickens.