Italian Chocolate Cake

                        Prep Time : 45 minutes ... ... Baking Time : 30 -- minutes

                                 

              ..................              Cake...................

2       cups all-purpose flour

2       cups granulated sugar

1/2    cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2  teaspoons baking soda

1/4     teaspoon salt

1/2     cup vegetable  oil

1        cup milk

1/2     cup cold black coffee

1        teaspoon vanilla extract

2        eggs

 .............              Frosting  .................

1         cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2      cup softened butter

1/2      cup light corn syrup

1/2      teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4      teaspoon salt

1/4      cup warm water

4         cups  confectioners' sugar

1         cup chopped walnuta divided

1 ... Preheat oven to 350*f . Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans , in a large bowl , mix the flour , sugar , cocoa powder , baking soda and salt .

2 ... Beat in shortening with an electric mixer on low speed . Beat in milk , coffee and vanila until combined . Increase speed  to high and beat for 2 minutes . Add the eggs ; beat for 2 minutes .

3 ... Pour batter into the prepared pans ; smooth with a spatula . Bake the cakes in the middle of the oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers come out clean , 30 to 35 minutes .

...............Frosting ......

4 ... For the frosting , combine the cocoa powder , butter , corn syrup , vanilla  and salt in a large bowl . Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes  . Add the warm water  ; mix well . Beat in the confectioners' sugar in two batches . Beat until smooth .

5 ... Place one layer top side down on a large flat plate  . Spread with 1 cup of the frosting ; sprinkle with 2/3 cup walnuts . Top with the remaining cake layer  , top side up . Frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting , swirling with a small spatula . Garnish the cake with the remaing walnuts .