1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 1/2 c. flour, sifted
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. boiling water

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg. Blend in vanilla. Dissolve soda in buttermilk and add to creamed mixture. Blend in flour. Blend cocoa and boiling water, to make a thick paste.

Combine chocolate mixture with creamed ingredients. Pour into cupcake papers that have been placed in muffin pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Makes approximately 18 cupcakes.