Instructions: * I have at various times substituted margarine (not spread, real margarine) and/or butter for the soft shortening with no apparent ill effects.

Sift dry ingredients into mixing bowl. Mix in shortening, milk and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed or 300 strokes by hand.

Add eggs and beat 2 minutes more. Pour into greased and floured pan

(13x9x2) and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.

Tracys Notes: This is the first thing I can ever remember cooking; I was about 9, I guess. The recipe came from a Betty Crocker Childrens good scratch chocolate cake that its kind of become a standard in our family; it has a nice crumb and is very moist and not too sweet.

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