1 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 c. sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. milk
2 tbsp. melted shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar
3 tbsp. cocoa
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa and 2/3 cup sugar. Add milk, shortening and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add nuts if you want. Put in greased shallow 1 quart baking dish.

Mix 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa and spread over mixture in pan. Pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over top. Bake for 40 minutes. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.