2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 stick butter
1 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
1 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

Combine flour and sugar in a large bowl. DO NOT use mixer. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, shortening, and cocoa; bring to a boil. Pour over flour mixture. Combine remaining ingredients, add to batter and blend thoroughly. Pour into 12 x 18 inch well greased pan, bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

ICING:

1 stick butter
3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
1/3 c. milk
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. coconut (optional)
I use 1 tsp. almond extract instead

When cake has baked 18 minutes, combine butter, cocoa, and milk in saucepan used for chocolate mixture. Bring to a boil and add remaining ingredients. Pour over cake as SOON as it is removed from oven.