2 1/2 c. flour (sift)
1 2/3 c. sugar
3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. milk
2/3 c. shortening (Crisco)
3 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in mixing bowl. Stir in 3/4 cup milk and shortening. Beat with mixer for 2 minutes at medium speed (by hand 300 strokes). Add eggs, 1/2 cup milk and vanilla; beat 2 minutes or 300 strokes more.

Pour into 2 greased, floured 9 x 1 1/2 inch round pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Remove from pans; cool. Fill and frost with Chocolate Mocha Frosting.

CHOCOLATE MOCHA FROSTING:

3/4 c. Crisco
1 tbsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa
4 1/2 c. confectioners sugar
1/2 c. strong brewed coffee or 1 tbsp. instant coffee in 1/2 c. hot water

Cream Crisco, vanilla, and cocoa. Add sugar and coffee alternately, beating until smooth. Fill cooled cake (layers) and frost top with frosting - or for frosting sheet-type cake.