1/3 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
3 tbsp. burnt sugar mixture
2 c. flour
1 tbsp. baking soda dissolved in buttermilk
1/4 tbsp. salt

Burnt Sugar Mixture: Burn 1 cup sugar in heavy iron skillet until nearly black. Add 1 cup water and boil to syrup. Let cool, store in jar. Bake in moderate oven. Frost with 6 tablespoons butter, 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 cups powdered sugar with 1/4 cup milk and 1 1/2 teaspoons burnt sugar mixture.