Grandma’S Chocolate Cake

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream

1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and hot water, beating well after each addition.
2. Pour into a greased
3. . Bake at 350u0b0 for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
4. For frosting, melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Add the sugar, water and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 240u0b0 (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat. Cool completely, without stirring, about 1 hour. Add vanilla; beat until thickened. Add cream; beat until smooth. Frost cake.

shortening, sugar, eggs, flour, baking cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, water, chocolate, butter, sugar, water, cream of tartar, vanilla, cream

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/grandma-s-chocolate-cake/ (may not work)