Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease well and dust with flour a 9-inch square pan. Sift dry ingredients into bowl. Add shortening, vanilla, egg and milk. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed on mixer. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl constantly. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.
Cake may be baked in 2 round 8-inch layer pans for 25-30 minutes.