2 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
5 eggs, separated
1 c. buttermilk
3 c. flour (plain)
5 tbsp. coffee (liquid)
5 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg yolks. Dissolve soda in buttermilk. Alternate dry ingredients and liquids until all are used. Mix well. Add beaten egg whites lastly and fold in well. Pour in greased and floured cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. This makes 4 (8") or 3 (9") layers. Ice with the following icing.

ICING:

1/2 c. butter
2 tsp. cocoa
3 tbsp. coffee (liquid)
2 boxes powdered sugar
1 whole egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well and spread between and on layers of cake. Decorate with pecan halves.