2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup shortening

1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

3 eggs

1 1/3 cups water

optional: 1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, sprinkles

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup unsalted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon light corn syrup

3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. (Low altitude: 325 degrees.) Butter two 9-inch cake pans and set aside.
Add flour, shortening, and sugar to a food processor and pulse until pea-sized cornmeal-like mixture forms. Dump into a large mixing bowl.
Stir in cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add oil, eggs, and water to mixing bowl. Beat