Mixture 1:

4 oz. baking chocolate
1/2 c. shortening (rendered, unsalted chicken fat is preferable)
1 cup boiling water

Mixture 2:

2 c. flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Other Ingredients:

1/2 cup sour milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

Note: Any type of shortening may be used, such as butter, vegetable oil, butter, Crisco, etc. The original recipe called for "Schmaltz" and that information is included here for historical purposes or for those who wish to recreate an exact original. Greek style yogurt or Kefir may be substituted for the sour cream.

Melt and cool mixture 1. Combine mixtures 1 and 2 and add the sour milk (or yogurt), vanilla and eggs. Put batter in greased tube pan.

Bake for about 45 minutes at 350°F or until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean.

This is a very old recipe of unknown origin. The cake is very dark and rich, suitable for a special treat.