This recipe comes from WWII when so many items were rationed. My Mom, Aunt and Grandmother all baked this chocolate cake...
Into an ungreased pan, about 8 x 8 or slightly larger put:

1 1/2 c. flour 1 c. sugar
3 heaping T. cocoa 1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt

Sift or mix all dry ingredients together until well mixed and is a light cocoa brown. Make 3 holes in the mix and into the holes, put the following:

1 T. vinegar into one
1 t. vanilla into one
5 T. melted shortening or cooking oil

Pour 1 c. warm coffee over all and mix well. Be sure to get the corners. It will start out foamy and as you stir, begin to look more like cake batter. Be sure to mix well. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Toothpick in center comes out clean.

Frosting:

Frost while hot (cool the cake for 10 minutes) with:

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 T. cocoa
l T. melted butter or cooking oil
1 t. vanilla
and enough hot water or coffee to make a smooth frosting which will spread easily. A large portion of the frosting will soak into the cake and make the moistest cake you have ever eaten.

When the kids were home, I used to double this and use 1/4 c. oil in the dry mix and a 9 x 13 pan.