2 1/2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/3 c. cocoa
1 c. oil
1 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1 c. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash of salt

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and cocoa. Mix together oil and buttermilk. Add soda dissolved in the hot water, vanilla and salt. Add this mixture to above dry ingredients. Bake cupcakes 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool thoroughly, then fill with following.

Combine and mix 5 to 7 minutes: 1/3 c. milk 2/3 c. shortening 1 tbsp. water

Then add and beat 5 minutes more: 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Put in pastry tube or cake decoration and press into cupcakes and fill. Frost with your favorite frosting.