This recipe came from my Grandmother (b.1898). My Mother made it all the time after her Mother died. I grew up with it. I have made it also and given the recipe to my 26 year old daughter. It is a definite Family Heirloom! Enjoy!

Depression Cake

1 3/4 cups Flour
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1/2 cup Lard (have used Crisco & Tenderflake)
1/2 cup Milk
2 Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla
5 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
3/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon Baking Soda (dissolved in a little water) (about a tsp. or a touch more)

Cream lard and sugar together in bowl. Mix in flour, cocoa and cream oftartar. Stir in the milk and vanilla and then the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the boiling water and then the baking soda (in the little water). Pour into a greased cake pan. It makes a High 8x8" cake or a low 9x13" cake. Bake at 350F for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Frost with icing of your choice when cool or sprinkle with powdered sugar.