FROSTING:

6 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. mint flavoring
6 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1/4 c. hot water
4 sq. melted unsweetened chocolate

Cream shortening with cream cheese, vanilla and mint flavoring. Add confectioners' sugar alternately with water to cream cheese mixture. Blend in unsweetened chocolate.

CAKE:

2 1/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. shortening
3 eggs
3/4 c. milk

Sift together flour with baking soda and salt. Set aside. Combine shortening and 2 cups chocolate frosting. Cream well. Blend in eggs, beating well after each. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Blend well after each addition.

Turn into two 9-inch round layer pans, well greased and lightly floured on the bottoms. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes. Cool, frost with remaining chocolate frosting (thin with a few drops cream if necessary).