Created by Miss-Missey on June 9, 2012
Step 1: Make the cake mix by combining the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Using an electric mixer or a food processor, blend in the shortening until no lumps remain. (Using the mixer on this makes a dusty cocoa mess, so I prefer the food processor!) This is the dry cake mix part, and you can store it in an air-tight container for several months.
Step 2: To make the cake, add the water, oil, and eggs to the cake mix in a large bowl. Mix on low speed until moistened, and then beat on medium for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Pour batter into greased and floured pans (one 9x13-inch pan, two 9-inch round cake pans, or cupcakes) and bake at 350 degrees.