1/2 c. shortening
1 stick butter
3 c. flour
3 c. sugar
5 eggs
1/2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1 tbsp. boiling water
1 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine shortening and butter. Add sugar and flour. Add eggs and beat. Mix in remaining ingredients. Bake 1 hour in a large Bundt or tube pan.