½ c melted shortening
1 t salt
2 ½ c sifted flour
4 eggs
1 t baking soda
2 cups buttermilk
2 ½ t baking powder
1 ½ t vanilla (optional)
2 T sugar

Sift together dry ingredients.  Mix together eggs and buttermilk and stir into dry ingredients.  Stir in melted shortening.