2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 stick butter
3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 cup Crisco
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk OR 1 tbsp. vinegar to sour 1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix flour and sugar in a large bowl. In a saucepan bring to a boil butter, cocoa, Crisco and water. Pour this mixture over dry mixture and mix. Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla.

Bake on greased and floured cookie sheet, 20 minutes at 400°F. Start making frosting 5 minutes before cake is done.

FROSTING:

Bring to a boil:

1 stick butter
3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
1/3 c. milk

Add:

1 box powdered sugar

Beat until smooth. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Pour over hot cake. Let cool.