My sister's favorite cake, the secret is in the boiling water. Milk must be sour. Can sour milk by putting one cap of vinegar into the milk and let set for 15 minutes.

2 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
Dash salt

Cream together sugar and shortening. Add eggs, and vanilla and beat well. Alternate flour, cocoa, soda and salt with 1 cup sour milk. Beat in 1 cup boiling water, beat well and bake. Bake at 350 degree oven 45 minutes loaves, 40 minutes layer.