Combine:
2 C dark brown sugar
1/2 C shortening
2 eggs
1 C hot water

Pour half of this over
1/2 C cocoa

Into the remainder, put:
1 t soda
2 C flour
Some vanilla

Then stir it together. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350 F.

The note on this recipe card says “use extra large cups.” I think she means not to level your measuring cups! This came from Grammy Simpson, Odessa’s mother-in-law.