1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. boiling water

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and milk with baking soda in it. Add vanilla. Add all dry ingredients to mixture and beat. At last add 1 cup boiling water and beat. Batter will be thin. Makes large cake or 3 layers. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

CARAMEL ICING (very easy) :

1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter

Bring these ingredients to a boil. Add 1/3 cup milk and bring to boil again. Cool and add powdered sugar and vanilla and dash of salt to spreading consistency.