2 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa, unsweetened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. reg. flour
1 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water

Cream shortening and eggs. Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with buttermilk. Add boiling water all at once. (Batter will be thin.) Bake in 2 greased and floured 8 or 9 inch pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Frost with the following: 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa 1/2 c. confectioners' sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1/3 c. dark rum

Combine all ingredients except rum in large bowl. Beat until stiff. Fold in rum.