Nan's Chocolate Cake

Combine the water and cocoa in a saucepan. When hot and well blended, remove form heat. Set aside. Beat egg whites until foamy. Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until stiff. Set aside. In large mixing bowl cream together the shortening, 1 3/4 cup sugar, the vanilla and 2 T of buttermilk. Add the egg yolks to the creamed mixture and the rest of the buttermilk to the cocoa mixture. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the cocoa mixture. When all is blended fold in egg whites. Bake at 375°Fs for 30 minutes.

Place the first three ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat well by hand and spread on the hot cake.