2-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup water

Sift together dry ingredients. Add shortening, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk and water. Beat for 3 minutes until the batter is smooth. Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan on rack. Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.

Yield: about 16 servings