1/4 c. hard Crisco
3 sticks butter
1 box powdered sugar, sifted
3 c. plain flour, sifted
8 lg. eggs
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder into flour

Cream together sugar, Crisco, and butter. Add eggs one at a time mix well. Add soda to buttermilk. Mix in flour and buttermilk a little at a time. Add vanilla. For thin layers, measure 1 cup mixture in each 9 3/4 pan for 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool on rack.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE ICING:

2/3 c. Hershey's cocoa
3 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Thoroughly combine dry ingredients in heavy 4 quart saucepan. Stir in milk. Boil without stirring to soft boil stage. Add butter. Remove from heat. Beat until it has cool some; add vanilla.