1 7/8 cups sifted flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs (1/3 to 1/2 cup)
4 squares melted baking chocolate
1 cup nuts (optional)

Grease & flour 2 9" layer pans. Sift together all dry ingredients. Add shortening, milk & vanilla & beat for 2 minutes. Add eggs & cooled chocolate. Beat for 2 minutes. Stir in nuts if desired. Pour into prepared pans. Batter will be thin. Bake at 350 degrees until cake tests done. (25-30 minutes) Cool. Frost with Fudge Frosting.