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

Combine cocoa and boiling water. Let cool. Combine other ingredients; add cocoa mixture. Beat until smooth. Bake in a 9x13 inch pan at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool before icing.

VANILLA FROSTING:

2 tbsp. butter
2 c. powdered sugar
1 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat ingredients together until light and creamy. Add a little more milk, if necessary, to make it of spreading consistency, or if too thin, add more sugar.

FOR FLAG CAKE: Remove 1/2 cup icing and tint with a drop of red food coloring to make red strips across cake. Use blue paper stars in upper left corner.