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

Beat all ingredients on low speed in electric mixer, scraping sides of bowl constantly for 30 seconds. Beat on high for 3 minutes, scraping occasionally. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 x 1 1/2 inch layer pans (13 x 9 x 2 flat pan may be used). Place in preheated 350 degrees until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes for layers, 40-45 minutes for rectangle pan. Cool and frost with Brown Sugar Frosting.