Filled Chocolate Cupcakes

2.5 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
0.5 cup cocoa
2 eggs
1 cup salad oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup hot water (with 2 tsp baking soda dissolved in it)
0.5 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 cup shortening
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp water
0.5 cup powdered sugar
flavoring as desired

Mix all ingredients (except hot water mixture) and beat well. Add 1 c hot water with 2 tsp baking soda dissolved in it. Bake in cupcake cups for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.

**Filling:**
Combine sugar, milk, shortening, salt, water and flavoring. Beat 5-7 minutes. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat 5 minutes more. Fill cooled cupcakes with filling through the top of the cupcake using a cake decorator. Frost.