2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening or butter
4 eggs
3 c. flour (regular)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 c. nuts (optional)

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs one at a time. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Add vanilla. Add chocolate chips and nuts (by hand). Bake in tube pan at 325 degrees for 1 hour or longer.