Sift 2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Add:

2/3 c. Crisco
2 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat 3 minutes on low, 3 minutes on medium. Pour into greased and floured round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees until done.

CREAM FILLING:

2/3 c. milk
2 tbsp. butter

Heat. Combine:

1/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 c. sugar

Add:

1/3 c. cold milk

To dry ingredients. Stir until smooth. Add to hot milk and cook until thick. Blend in slightly beaten egg to which a little of the hot mixture has been added. Cook until thick. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.