2 1/4 c. cake flour (or 2 c. all purpose)
1 3/4 c. sugar
1/3 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. cocoa
2/3 c. soft shortening
1 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 (9") layer pans or 1 (13"x9") pan.

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt and cocoa. Add soft shortening. Pour in a little over 1/2 of 1 cup water and vanilla. Beat 2 minutes. Add remaining water and the eggs. Beat 2 minutes more and pour into pans. Bake 30 to 40 minutes.