Chocolate Cake

Grease and lightly flour 2 (9 x 1 1/2-inch) round baking pans. Stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.

In a large mixer bowl, beat the 1/2 cup shortening on medium speed of electric mixer about 30 seconds.

Add the 1 cup sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy.

Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating on medium speed for 1 minute after each.

Add dry ingredients and water alternately to beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined.

Thoroughly wash the beaters. In a small mixer bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add the 3/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peak forms. Fold egg whites mixture into batter; combine well.

Turn batter into prepared pans.

Spread batter evenly.

Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until cake test done.

Cool 10 minutes on wire racks.

Remove from pans.

Cool thoroughly on wire racks.