2/3 c. soft shortening
1 2/3 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/3 c. water
2/3 c. cocoa
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream shortening, sugar, and eggs for 5 minutes at high speed. Sift dry ingredients together and mix alternately with water and vanilla. (Use low speed.)

Pour into 2 (9 x 1 1/2) layer pans or 1 (13 x 9 1/2) pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes (layer pans) or 40-45 minutes (oblong pans).