Cream together 1/2 cup vegetable shortening and 2 cups granulated sugar.
Add 4 free-range eggs.
Sift together 2 cups plain flour and 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda.
Measure 9 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 cup boiling water into a small saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
Mix the dry ingredients with the egg mixture and pour in the thickened cocoa mixture, 2/3 cup soured milkand 2 tsp vanilla extract. Stir well. The batter will be very thin.
Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cake tins.