Instructions: Stir together cocoa and boiling water in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside. Cream shortening, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk to shortening mixture. Blend in the cocoa mixture. Pour into 3 greased and floured 8 inch layer pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of cake comes clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then remove and cool completely before frosting.

Fudge Frosting

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

Combine sugar, cocoa and salt in a heavy saucepan. Add milk and butter; bring to a boil. Cover and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until spreading consistency.

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