4 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 c. flour
1 lg. tsp. baking soda
2/3 c. sour milk or buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. boiling water

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and chocolate.

Sift flour and baking powder together. Add baking soda to sour milk. Add to butter-sugar mixture, alternating milk and flour. Add vanilla and boiling water.

Pour into 2 layer pans (8 inch - prepared, greased and floured). Immediately place in moderate oven (350 degrees). Bake 30-35 minutes until done. Test with toothpick.

Frost with favorite frosting.