ream together:

1 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/2 c. sifted white flour
1/2 c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

After creaming ingredients, add 1 cup hot water and mix all together. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan. Pour in mixture and bake at 350 degrees about 35 minutes or until done. Makes a large cake.