2 1/2 c. sifted cake flour
1/2 c. dry cocoa (not a mix)
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 c. milk
1 c. soft vegetable shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla

Grease and flour 3 - 8 x 1/14 inch layer cake pans; tap out excess flour. Sift flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt onto waxed paper; reserve. Beat shortening, sugar and eggs in large bowl at high speed for 3 minutes.

Stir vinegar into milk to sour milk. Stir in dry ingredients alternately with soured milk, beating after each addition until batter is smooth. Stir in hot water and vanilla; pour batter into prepared cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Makes 3 (8 inch) layers.