Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans.
In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder
and water; set aside. Sift together flour,
baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar.
In a mixing bowl, stir shortening just enough to soften.
Sift in the sifted dry ingredients.
Add 1/2 c. milk, blending until all flour is damp.
Mix in remaining milk, cocoa mixture,
vanilla and eggs. Beat for one minute.
Pour into prepared pan.
Bake until cake tests done, about 35 min.
Makes 10-12 servings.