Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in mashed potatoes and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
• Pour into a greased and floured 9-in. square baking pan; sprinkle with walnuts. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool completely. Dust with confectioner's sugar.