1 c. cocoa
2 c. hot water
3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. shortening
2 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine cocoa and hot water. Sift flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together.

In a large mixing bowl, combine shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir together flour mixture and cocoa mixture alternately into the creamed mixture.

Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan and bake for 55 minutes. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes before frosting.

FRENCH TYPE FROSTING:

1/2 c. Crisco
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
5 tbsp. flour

Beat all ingredients 5 minutes at high speed.