German Chocolate Cake and Frosting

Cake

1 package sweet cooking chocolate

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups sugar

1 cup shortening

4 egg yolks

1 cup buttermilk

2 1/2 cups sifted flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

4 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Melt chocolate in the boiling water, cool, add vanilla and set aside.

Cream shortening and sugar together, add egg yolks and beat. Add buttermilk alternately with the flour that has been sifted with the salt and baking soda. Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the batter and mix well. Fold in the beaten egg whites. Bake in two 8" or 9" greased layer pans at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes. 

Frosting/Filling

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup sugar

3 egg yolks

1/4 lb. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all together and cook over low heat for 12 minuted or until thick, stirring constantly. Add 1 cups of chopped pecans or almonds and 6 oz. flaked coconut. Cool well. 

Spread between and on top of cooled layers.