• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups superfine sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• To make cake
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

1. Combine flour, sugar,cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine. Add shortening, using electric mixer on medium speed to blend the shortening into the dry ingredients. Completely mix shortening until no chunks are visible. This is the mix which may be kept in a sealed container for several months.
2. Preheat the oven to 350*F. Grease sides and bottoms of two 9" baking pans, or one 9x13" pan. LIghtly flour the greased pans. Blend the dry cake mix(above) with water, oil, and eggs in a large bowl with the mixer at low speed until just moistened. Kick up the speed to medium and mix 2 more minutes.
3. Pour batter into pans and bake 30-33 minutes for the 9" pans and 35-38 minutes for the 9x13" pan.If you wish to make cupcakes, bake for 19-22 minutes.

from: Rachel