Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

• 4 eggs at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/2 cup water

Follow directions exactly...

1. Make a paste with the cocoa and water. Set aside. Cream the shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add the baking soda to the buttermilk (do this in a large bowl because it expands the longer it sits). Add the chocolate paste to the buttermilk and soda. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the sugar and egg mixture, alternatively. For the cake- pour into 2 greased round cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. For cupcakes, bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Fluffy Cocoa Frosting:

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup cocoa
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1.2 cups evaporated milk (a small can in 1/2 cup)

1. Mix all ingredients and beat well (Add milk slowly when mixing). If you use 1/2 cup cocoa you will probably want to use 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar.