Cake:

3 c. flour
2 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. oil
2 tbsp. vinegar
2 c. cold water
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together dry ingredients. Add to a mixing bowl with mixed liquid ingredients. Beat just until smooth.

Bake in ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan for 30 to 35 minutes.

Icing:

1 c. sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. cocoa
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. pecan halves

Mix all ingredients, except vanilla and pecans, in a saucepan. Bring to full boil, and cook for one minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Add vanilla and beat until thickened slightly. Arrange pecan halves on top of cake and pour icing evenly over cake. Let icing cool completely before serving.