1 ½ cup flour
3 tablespoons cocoa, unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 tablespoons shortening or butter, melted
1 tablespoon vinegar, any king
Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl; make three holes. Put vanilla in first hole; shortening in the second hole, and vinegar in the third hole. Add water and mix well. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Note: You can make this cake even if you’re out of milk and eggs. My grandma gave me this recipe. It did not mention a pan size. No matter the pan size, they knew when it was done—if a broom straw inserted in the center came out clean, it was done.