2 1/2 c. self-rising flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 c. milk or buttermilk
2/3 c. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened

Beat butter, sugar and eggs together. Add vanilla. Mix flour and cocoa together. Add milk to flour mixture. Add to butter mixture until smooth. Pour batter into 2 floured 9-inch pans.

Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.

Homemade Chocolate Icing:

2 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. Crisco
2/3 c. milk
1 tbsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients, except vanilla, in medium saucepan. Bring to rolling boil over medium heat. Boil, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and beat until spreading consistency, about 10 minutes.

Makes enough icing for two 9-inch layers.