1/2 c. boiling water
1/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 beaten egg
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Add water to shortening, sugar, and cocoa; beat until sugar dissolves. Add dry ingredients alternately with combined egg, cream, and vanilla. Bake at 350 degrees until done. Frost with favorite icing.