Whole Wheat Chocolate Cake

I'm striving to eat and feed my family better and am implementing fresh ground whole wheat.  I made this cake tonight and it is delicous!!  Oh,,, and nutrious!

1 1/4 cups finely ground soft white wheat (pastry wheat); sifted

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt (I used Kosher)

• 1 Tbsp shortening
• 8 Tbsp cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup butter, softened at room temp
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (substituted for 1/2 c. sour cream)
• 1/2 cup boiling water

1. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
2. Melt the shortening in a small saucepan over low heat, stir in the cocoa powder and mix well. Allow to cool slightly.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar for approx. 2 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Beat in the vanilla and cooled cocoa.
4. Add about a third of the flour mixture to the bowl, along with 1/4 c. mayo, and stir. Add another third of the flour mixture along with the remaining 1/4 c. mayo, and stir again. Finish up by adding the rest of the flour mixture, and stirring until well combined.
5. Stir in the boiling water. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8×8 pan.
6. Bake at 375* for approx. 35 min., or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.