1 egg
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sour milk*
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. hot water
Put in bowl in order given. Beat well until smooth. Fill cupcake papers or tins 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Test for doneness. *Combine 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to equal 1/2 cup. Allow the milk mixture to stand 5 minutes, and the milk should sour and thicken slightly.
Rather than "quick reply", I went to the "advanced" option, then I copied, then pasted, then did the "preview post". You're right - it did look weird, but I just took out the html formatting.
and, you're quite welcome!