1/2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour (omit salt and soda if using self-rising flour)
4 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. hot water

Mix all ingredients together except the hot water. Mix well, then add hot water last. Pour the mix in 2 (9 inch) greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 300 degrees until done.

ICING:

1 3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla
4 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. milk

Bring all ingredients to a rolling boil and boil for 2 minutes. Then spread over cold layers of cake. NOTE: You could make a sheet cake instead of a layer cake.