2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/3 c. cocoa
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1 c. cold water
1 c. mayonnaise

FROSTING:

4 c. confectioners' sugar
1/3 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp. milk

Note: May use low cholesterol mayonnaise for low fat variation.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease and flour one 13 x 9 inch cake pan or two 9 inch round cake pans. Mix together in large bowl the flour, sugar, baking soda and cocoa. Make a well in the center and add the vanilla, cold water and mayonnaise. Stir until well combined.

Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30-40 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes clean. Cool on wire rack. Combine confectioners' sugar and shortening. Add vanilla and slowly add milk as needed to spreading consistency. Frost when cake is cooled.