1/2 c. Hershey's cocoa
2 c. sifted cake flour
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
1/2 c. vegetable shortening, at room temp.
3/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs, unbeaten
1/2 c. milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and generously flour two 9 inch layer cake pans.

Combine cocoa, flour, sugar, salt, soda, baking powder and cinnamon together in a sifter. Stir shortening just to soften; sift in cocoa mixture. Add the 3/4 cup milk and vanilla. Mix until flour is dampened. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed, or 300 vigorous strokes by hand. Scrape bowl frequently.

Add the eggs and 1/3 cup milk; blend thoroughly and beat one minute longer in mixer or 150 vigorous strokes by hand. Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until done.