2 c. cake flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour rectangular pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches, 2 round pans, 8 o 9 x 1 1/2 inches, or 12 cup bundt pan. Beat all ingredients in large bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, 30 seconds. Beat on high speed, scraping bowl occasionally 3 minutes. Pour into pan(s). Bake until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, rectangular 35-40 minutes, layers 30-35 minutes, bundt cake 40-45 minutes. Cool layers or bundt cake 10 minutes. Remove from pan(s). Cool completely and frost as desired.