2 c. plain flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Sift together 3 times.

1/2 c. butter or other shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg, well beaten
1/2 c. cocoa
1/3 c. water
1 c. sour buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream together the butter, sugar, and egg; add cocoa, water gradually. Add flour mixture alternately with the cup of buttermilk. Beat well. Grease and flour cake pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes in layers or 50 minutes in loaf pan.