Chocolate Medallion Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2
   Cream butter and shortening together; add sugar gradually, creaming until light and fluffy.
3. 3
   Add eggs, one at a time, beating well each time.
4. 4
   Sift flour and salt together; set aside.
5. 5
   Make a smooth paste of the cocoa and boiling water; cool slightly.
6. 6
   Stir baking soda into buttermilk and add alternately with sifted flour to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
7. 7
   Add cocoa-water mixture and blend well.
8. 8
   Blend in vanilla.
9. 9
   Bake 15 minutes in cupcake tins.