Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      cups          all-purpose flour
   1 1/2  cups          sugar
   1      teaspoon      baking powder
   1      teaspoon      baking soda
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
     1/4  cup           shortening
     1/4  cup           butter or margarine
   1 1/2  teaspoons     pure vanilla extract
   1      cup           buttermilk
   4                    egg whites
                        ***CHOCOLATE SYRUP SAUCE***
   1      envelope      unflavored gelatin
     1/4  cup           cold water
     1/2  cup           boiling water
     1/2  cup           sugar
   1      cup           canned chocolate-flavored syrup
                        ---chocolate syrup whipped cream--- --
                         (optional)
   1      cup           heavy cream
     1/2  cup           canned chocolate-flavored syrup
   2      tablespoons   confectioners' sugar
     1/2  teaspoon      pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large mixing bowl. 2. Add shortening, butter, vanilla and buttermilk; blend on low speed till mixed, then on medium speed for 2 minutes. 3. Add egg whites; beat 2 additional minutes. 4. Pour into a well-greased, floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; bake in preheated 350 F. oven 30 to 35 minutes. 5. Cool in pan 15 minutes. 6. With a fork, carefully pierce cake in pan to its full depth, making parallel rows about 1 inch apart and covering both length and width of cake. 7. Spoon 2 cups Chocolate Syrup Sauce over warm cake, allowing mixture to flow into holes and completely glaze top. 8. Chill in refrigerator several hours, or overnight. 9. Serve with a dollop of Chocolate Syrup Whipped Cream, if desired, or frost with your favorite chocolate frosting. NOTE: If desired, 1 package (181/2 oz.) white cake mix, baked as directed, can be substituted for the batter. Chocolate Syrup Sauce Makes about 2 cups sauce 1. Sprinkle gelatin on cold water in medium-size bowl to soften. 2. Add boiling water; stir to completely dissolve gelatin. 3. Add sugar and blend well; stir in chocolate syrup. Chocolate Syrup Whipped Cream Makes about 2 1/4 cups topping 1. Combine cream, chocolate syrup, sugar and vanilla in small mixing bowl. 2. Whip until mixture holds peaks.