1/4 c. vegetable shortening
1 stick butter
1 c. water
4 tbsp. cocoa
Dash of salt
2 c. sugar
1 c. plain flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. buttermilk

Put shortening, butter, water, cocoa, and salt in saucepan. Bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in sugar and flour. Add buttermilk to which baking soda has been added. Stir in beaten eggs and vanilla. Batter will be very thin. Bake in greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2 inch pan at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cake leaves sides of pan. Let sit for 6 hours before serving. Spread with Chocolate Fudge Cake Topping.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE TOPPING:

1 stick butter
1/2 c. milk
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 box powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts

Put butter, milk, and cocoa in saucepan; bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, vanilla and nuts. Spread over cake.