Chocolate Town Cake Recipe

Oven Temp ~ 350°
Recipe Bake Time ~ 25 - 30 minutes
Pan Type ~ two 9 inch pans

Preheat oven, grease and flour pans.

Stir together cocoa & boiling water in small bowl until smooth; and set a side. Cream shortening and sugar & vanilla in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beat well. Combine flour, baking soda & salt; add alternately with buttermilk or sour milk to creamed mixture. Blend in cocoa mixture. Pour into two prepared pans or an oblong greased and floured 9 X 13 pan.

Bake until tester comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes - Remove from pans and frost with Cocoa icing.

* To sour milk: use 4 teaspoons vinegar plus enough milk to equal 1 - 1/3 cups

Cocoa Icing

Add boiling water to butter- Add vanilla and cocoa Beat and when well blended. Add sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add additional liquid if needed for right consistency to spread. Spread on warm cake. This frosting stays soft for several days.

Chocolate town cake cocoa icing yields about 2 cups.