1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup boiling water

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg. Blend in vanilla. Dissolve soda in buttermilk and add to creamed mixture. Blend in flour. Blend cocoa and boiling water, to make a thick paste. Combine chocolate mixture and creamed ingredients. Pour into cupcake papers that have been placed in muffin pan.

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Makes approximately 18 cupcakes.