1 c. shortening
3 c. sugar
5 lg. eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 c. flour

Beat shortening, sugar, and vanilla at high speed. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir together soda and buttermilk. By hand, stir in flour alternately with milk mixture. Stir only until smooth. Bake in greased tube pan or bundt pan for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes at 325 degrees.

DO NOT OPEN OVEN DOOR FOR FIRST HOUR!