2 3/4 c. sifted flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. boiling water
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and soda. Cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat thoroughly. Combine cocoa and boiling water and mix until smooth. Cool, then add to shortening mixture. Add dry ingredients alternately with combined buttermilk and vanilla, beating well after each addition. Turn batter into three greased and floured 8" layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool. Frost as desired.