2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 stick butter
1 c. water
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together sugar and flour. In a saucepan bring to a boil the shortening, butter, water, and cocoa. Pour over the flour mixture while still hot. Add buttermilk, beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Bake in large greased cookie sheet pan with sides (12 x 18 x 1) at 400°F for 20 minutes. Make icing while cake is baking.

ICING:

1 stick butter
1/4 c. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk
1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts, if desired

Bring to boil butter, cocoa, and milk. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and nuts. Spread over cake while both are still hot. Cake is good to freeze.