from scratch devil's food cake

1/2 c shortening (can use butter)
1 1/2 c sugar
2 egg
1/2 c cocoa
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c sour milk or buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375.  mix together flour, baking soda and cocoa.  In a seperate bowl, beat softened shortening.  Add sugar and beat.  Add in eggs one at a time while mxing.  Add in vanilla and beat. Add sifted dry ingredient and sour milk alternately while beating.  Pour into greased cake pan and bake until tester comes out clean 25-35 minutes. 

Make your own buttermilk

just under one cup of milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar.  Stir together and let sit for 5 minutes.