2 cups ap flour or cake flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs (1/3 to 1/2 cup)
1 tsp vanilla
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (cool)
…
Heat oven to 350.  Grease and flour baking pan (13 x 9 OR two 9 inch rounds OR three 8 inch rounds).  Measure all ingredients into large mixer bowl.  Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, scraping bowl constantly.  Beat 3 minutes on high speed, scraping bowl occasionally.  Pour evenly into pan(s).
Bake 13×9 40-45 minutes; bake layer cakes 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool.