2 c. plain flour
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick butter
3 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour, sugar, and salt; set aside. Bring butter, cocoa, water, and shortening to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour in a large mixing bowl and add dry ingredients. Gradually add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla to dry ingredients.

Grease and flour oblong pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Punch hold in cake and add icing while cake is hot.

ICING:

1 stick butter
3 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk

Heat. Add this mixture to 1 box powdered sugar. Add nuts if desired.