Decadent Fudge Cake

Ingredients

• 1 c. butter or margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. buttermilk
• 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate mini morsels, divided
• 2 (4 oz.) bars sweet baking chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1/3 c. chocolate syrup
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 4 oz. white chocolate, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. shortening, divided
• chocolate and white chocolate leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Cream butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.