2 c. plain flour
2 c. sugar
2 sticks butter
3 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. hot water
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour and sugar then set aside. In saucepan on med. heat mix: butter, cocoa, and hot water. Beat eggs in separate cup add to saucepan - then add buttermilk, cinnamon, soda and vanilla. Bring almost to a boil, then add to flour mixture.

Grease and flour 9x13 pan, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Icing:

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

Mix well and bring to a boil. Take off stove and pour over cake when it first comes out of oven.