2 c. flour
1 3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. cocoa
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. milk
3 med. eggs, unbeaten

Grease then line with wax paper bottoms of 2 1/2 inch deep x 9 inch layer pans. Sift together dry ingredients in large mixing bowl. Drop in shortening. Pour in 3/4 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. With mixer at low speed beat 2 1/2 minutes scraping bowl. Add 1/2 cup milk and 3 eggs. Beat 2 1/2 minutes longer. Pour into pans. Bake in 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until done. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, peel off paper and cool on racks. Frost as you please. (Mixing can be low or medium speed.)