Preheat Oven 350⁰

Grease and Flour two 8'' or 9'' layer pans or 13'' X 9'' oblong pan

Sift together into bowl;

1 ¾ cups sifted unbleached all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Add;

¼ cup soft shortening
1 ½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat 2 minutes.

Add;

2 eggs (1/3 to ½ cup)
4 squares unsweetened chocolate melted (4 oz.)

Beat 2 more minutes.

Stir in;

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Pour batter into prepared pans. Batter will be thin in first stage. Bake layers 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done. Bake oblong cake 40 to 45 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool. Ice with a fudge frosting (recipe listed below).

Fudge Frosting

Mix in saucepan;

2 cups sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
½ cup milk
½ cup shortening
2 squares unsweetened chocolate (2 oz) cut up
¼ teaspoon salt

Stir over low heat until chocolate and shortening melt. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. (220⁰). Remove from heat and beat until lukewarm (120⁰).

Stir in;

1 teaspoon vanilla

Continue beating until a smooth spreading consistency.

Amount; For two 8'' or 9'' layers or one 13'' X 9'' oblong.