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

Cream the shortening. Add the sugar and cream until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Add hot water to cocoa and make a smooth paste. Add to creamed mixture. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt and add alternately with sour milk to which the vanilla has been added. Mix thoroughly. Turn into two 9-inch pans which have been greased and lined with waxed paper.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes in 350°F oven. Frost with Crisco Icing.

Crisco Icing:

1 c. Crisco
1 box powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
milk (enough to make smooth)