2 c. flour, sifted
1 c. sugar
1 c. cocoa
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. hot water
Pinch of salt

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs in bowl. Add flour, cocoa, salt, soda, water and vanilla. Stir until mixed thoroughly. (Ma dissolved the soda in the cup of hot water before adding to the rest of the ingredients.)

Pour into greased cupcake tins and bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 2 dozen cupcakes.

(Don't do what Martha did, she got into the wrong bin and measured 1 cup of salt instead of the sugar and it wasn't discovered until we were eating them.)