Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      cups          cake flour
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
     1/2  teaspoon      baking soda
   2      teaspoons     baking powder
     1/2  cup           lard
   1 1/2  cups          brown sugar
   2                    eggs
     1/3  cup           mashed ripe banana
   2      squares       baking chocolate -- melted and cooled
     3/4  cup           buttermilk or sour milk
   1      teaspoon      pure vanilla extract
                        ***CARAMEL COCONUT FROSTING***
   1 1/2  cups          brown sugar
     3/4  cup           milk or half-and-half
   2      tablespoons   butter
   1      teaspoon      pure vanilla extract
   1      cup           moist coconut -- (flaked)

Preparation:

1. Sift flour once; measure and sift again with salt, baking soda and baking powder. 2. Cream lard; add sugar and cream together until light and fluffy. 3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 4. Add banana pulp, then melted chocolate. 5. Combine milk and vanilla. 6. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk to creamed mixture; beat well. 7. Pour into a greased 10 x 14-inch pan; bake in preheated 350 F. oven 45 minutes. 8. Frost with Caramel Coconut Frosting. Caramel Coconut Frosting 1. Cook sugar and milk together until soft ball forms. 2. Add butter and vanilla; cool. Beat until spreading consistency. 3. Frost cake; sprinkle coconut over top. Run under broiler to brown. NOTE: Terrific cake; another family favorite!