Charlie's first Birthday, Chocolate Buttermilk Cake and buttercream frosting

 I made this cake (and cupcakes) for Charlie's first Birthday!  It was so good and not too sweet!  The icing was really creamy too!  This might be our new traditional "Birthday Cake"!

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 3/4 cups, plus 2 Tbsp
2/3 cup Crisco shortening
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
2 1/2 squares melted unsweetened chocolate

Mix together the first 6 ingredients, hear for 3 minutes.  Add eggs and chocolate.  Beat for 3 minutes. 
Bake at 350 in 2 greased 9-inch pans for 25-30 minutes. 

Buttercream Frosting
1 stick butter, softened
1 box xxx sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp milk
1/2 tsp almond flavoring (optional)

Beat butter and 1 cup xxx sugar at low speed with mixer.  Add remaining sugar alternating with milk beating until blended.  Add extracts.  Beat on medium speed until spreadable.