2 c. sugar
2 c. sifted flour
1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. water
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

Combine sugar and flour in mixer bowl. Bring butter, cocoa, shortening, and water to a boil in saucepan and pour over sugar and flour. Add ingredients in a bowl to buttermilk, soda, cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs. Mix together; batter will be thin. Pour into 9x13 inch pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

FROSTING:

1 stick butter
2 tbsp. cocoa
3 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 box confectioners' sugar
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Boil butter, cocoa, and milk together. Pour into a bowl and add vanilla and confectioners' sugar. Stir in nuts, if desired.