1 (4 oz.) pkg. Baker's German sweet chocolate
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
4 eggs
3 c. flour
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Partially melt chocolate over hot water. Remove from water and stir rapidly until entirely melted. Cool. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs, vanilla and milk. Sift together flour, soda and salt. Add shortening and mix all well. Stir in chocolate until blended. Pour batter into well greased and floured 9" tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from pan. While hot, place under tightly fitting cover until thoroughly cooled. Add Sweet Chocolate Glaze or leave plain.

SWEET CHOCOLATE GLAZE:

1 (4 oz.) pkg. Baker's German sweet chocolate
1 tbsp. shortening
1/4 c. water
1 c. confectioners' sugar
Dash of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Melt chocolate and shortening in water over low heat. Combine sugar and salt in medium bowl. Gradually stir in chocolate mixture. Blend well. Add vanilla. For thinner glaze, add a small amount of hot water. Makes 3/4 cup glaze.