- In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and hot water. Stir thoroughly until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved. Set aside. This is the cocoa mixture.
- In another bowl, beat the shortening with an electric mixer. Slowly add sugar, then vanilla. Blend in eggs. This is the creamed mixture.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture. Blend in the cocoa mixture. Pour the batter into two greased round pans.
- Leave a 1/2-inch headspace. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. To check if the cake is already done, insert a toothpick into the cake. If toothpick comes out dry, then the cake is already done.
- Cool cake before spreading icing or frosting. One frosting that will complement our very special chocolate cake is the chocolate frosting.
B. Chocolate Frosting
- Melt the 1/3 cup cocoa powder in 1/3 cup hot water. This is your cocoa paste.
- In a saucepan, combine the butter, milk, vanilla and the cocoa paste. Stir thoroughly.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat.
- Transfer the first layer of chocolate cake on a round doily. Spread with chocolate frosting on the cake. On top, put the next layer of chocolate cake.
- Cover the entire cake with the frosting. You may also put a design on the cake to make it more appealing.
