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Grease and lightly flour two 9x1 1/2 inch round baking pans or grease one 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set pan (s) aside.
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Stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aide.
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In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
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Add sugar and vanilla; beat until well combined.
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Add eggs, 1 at a timebeating well after each.
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Add flour mixture and water alternately to beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan (s) Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool layer cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.
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Remove from pans.
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Cool thoroughly on wire racks.
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Or, place 13x9-inch cake in pan on a wire rack; cool thoroughly.
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Frost with desired frosting.
