1/2 c. shortening (Crisco)
2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
2 lg. eggs
2 c. all purpose flour, sifted
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 c. hot water (for soda)
1/2 c. hot water (added last)

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add vanilla and pinch of salt. Sift flour, add cocoa and sift again. Add alternately with the buttermilk. Before last of flour is added, dissolve soda in the 1/4 cup hot water, add to batter and mix well. Add 1/2 cup hot water to mixture. DO NOT BEAT. Bake in 8 x 12 inch loaf pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Ice with Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting when cake is lukewarm.