3 c. sugar
1/2 lb. butter
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
6 eggs
3 c. plain flour, sifted
1/2 c. cocoa
1 1/8 c. milk
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vanilla

Soften butter. Mix well sugar, butter, shortening and eggs. Gradually add flour, cocoa and milk. Mix well. Add baking powder, salt and vanilla; mix well. Pour into pan (I use a 10 inch tube pan; it makes a big cake). Bake 1 1/2 hours at 325 degrees.

P.S. This has, for most of their lives, been the cake my boys ask for on their birthdays - of course, with chocolate frosting!