2 1/2 c. plain flour, sifted
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond
1 sq. (1 oz.) unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. milk
Few drops of red food coloring (optional)

Grease and flour bottoms of pans. Sift flour with sugar, baking powder, and salt into large mixing bowl. Add milk and shortening. Blend well at lowest speed of mixer Beat 1 1/2 minutes at low speed or 225 strokes with a spoon. add eggs and vanilla and almond extract; continue beating 1 1/2 minutes at low speed.

Place 1/2 of batter in small bowl and blend in chocolate, soda, sugar, milk and red food coloring. Spoon vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into pans. Cut through batter gently with spatula to marble. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.