Have ingredients at room temperature.

2 sticks butter
1/2 c. Crisco
5 eggs
3 c. sugar
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. plain flour

Cream butter, Crisco and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk and sifted dry ingredients. Bake 300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Frost with chocolate icing, if desired.