CRADDICK CHOCOLATE CAKE

Sift in large bowl:

  2 cups sugar

  2 cups flour

Mix in Saucepan:

  1 stick butter

  1/2 cup crisco

  4-6 Tablespoons cocoa

  1 cup water

Bring to rapid boil and pour over sugar and flour.

Stir well with spoon or handmixer.

Add:

  1/2 cup buttermilk

  2 eggs, beaten

  1 teaspoon baking soda

  1 teaspoon vanilla

Bake in 9 x 13 pan 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.

ICING:

Bring to boil:

  1 stick butter

  4-6 tablespoons cocoa

  6 tablespoons milk

Pour over 1 box of sifted powdered sugar. Mix well.

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 cup nuts (optional).

GRANDMA CRADDICK'S SUGAR COOKIES

1 cup crisco

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 t. vanilla

2 cups flour

Cream crisco and sugar.  Add eggs and beat well.  Sift flour, baking powder and salt.  Add to 1st mixture alternating with milk. Add vanilla. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.  Roll to 1/4 " thick on floured board.  Cut and arrange on cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.  Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies. 

4-MINUTE BUTTER FROSTING

1/3 cup soft butter

3 cups sifted powdered sugar

1/4 cup of milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Cream thoroughly butter and gradually add powdered sugar alternating with milk.  Beat until fluffy ,smooth, and spreading consistency.  Add vanilla.  Add colors if desired.