1 stick butter
1/2 c. Crisco
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. white sugar
2 c. flour (sifted)
1/2 c. buttermilk or 1/2 c. milk and 1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs, slightly beaten

Bring butter, Crisco, cocoa and water to a rapid boil. Pour over sugar and flour in large bowl and beat well. Add buttermilk, soda and eggs. Beat well. Add vanilla. Beat. Bake 375 degrees in metal pan (13x9 inch) for 35 minutes.

ICING:

1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk
1 lb. sifted powdered sugar
1 c. pecans
1 tsp. vanilla

Bring butter, cocoa and milk to boil. (Use same pan as in cake - a medium size). Add powdered sugar, pecans and vanilla. Beat well by hand and pour over cake (which is still in pan) while hot. It sets up very fast too!