1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 eggs
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
Frosting:
2/3 cup butter, softened
5 1/3 cups confectioners? sugar
1 cup baking cocoa
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, in a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Combine sugar and cocoa; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Add vanilla; beat well. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake.