INGREDIENTS

1. 3/4-1cupsugar(use 1 cup if you like it sweet)
2. 3tablespoonsCrisco shortening
3. 1teaspoonvanilla
4. 2eggs
5. 1cupflour
6. 2tablespoonsunsweetened cocoa powder
7. 1/2teaspoonbaking powder
8. 1/2teaspooncinnamon
9. 1/2teaspoonnutmeg
10. 1/4teaspoonbaking soda
11. 1/4teaspoonsalt
12. 4tablespoons choppednuts
13. 1/3cupbuttermilk

DIRECTIONS

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9″ round baking pan, and dust with flour.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and shortening until very well mixed; add in vanilla and eggs, beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.
4. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture, with the buttermilk, beat for 2 minutes at low speed until moistened, then at medium speed for another 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped nuts.
6. Transfer to prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until cake tests done with a toothpick.
8. Note: mini chocolate chips may be substituted for the chopped nuts, OR use 2 Tbsp of both.