2 cups all purpose flour or cake flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs (1/3 to 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 ounces melted unsweetened chocolate (cooled)
…..
Heat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 pan OR two 9 inch rounds. Measure all ingredients into a mixer bowl. Blend on low speed for 1/2 minute to combine, then beat 3 minutes on high–scraping bowl occasionally. Pour evenly into pan(s).
Bake 13 x 9 for 40-45 minutes, bake layers 30 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and frost.