2 sticks butter
1 c. water
5 tbsp. cocoa
2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. baking soda

Bring butter, water and cocoa to a rolling boil. Sift together in a separate bowl the sugar, flour and salt. In large bowl, beat together eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, baking powder and baking soda. Add first and second mixture to third mixture. Mix well. Batter will be thin. Pour in cookie sheet pan (11 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 1-inch). Grease and flour if not nonstick.

Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

For buttermilk, you can use 1/2 cup milk and 1 tablespoon vinegar set aside while mixing other ingredients. Then omit vinegar in recipe.

Frosting:

1 stick butter
1 tbsp. plus 6 tbsp. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
1 box confectioners (powdered) sugar

Bring butter and milk to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt. Pour in a mixing bowl and beat, adding confectioners sugar. Sprinkle with chopped nuts immediately after frosting.