1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, margarine or Crisco
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups flour

Mix sugar, cocoa and shortening; add egg and vanilla extract. Beat with mixer for about 2 minutes.

Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix alternately with buttermilk to the above mixture. Beat about 2 minutes more or until creamy and smooth. Pour into greased and floured 13 x 9-inch oblong cake pan. Spread evenly. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees F.

When cool, top with favorite icing.