2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt

STEP 2:
1 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa

STEP 3:
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

1. Mix in large bowl sugar, flour and salt.

2. Mix in saucepan water, shortening, butter and cocoa. Bring to boil. When shortening and butter are melted, pour over first mixture and stir until smooth.

3. In another bowl beat eggs, buttermilk, soda and vanilla. Add to other mixture and blend well. Bake in sheet pan at 350 degrees for 25 or 30 minutes.

STEP 4: ICING:

1 stick butter
3 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. cream or evaporated milk
1 box powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

4. Put in saucepan butter, cocoa and milk. When butter is melted and mixture is well blended, add powdered sugar and vanilla. If desired, add 1 cup pecans or walnuts, 1 cup coconut or combination. Pour over cake when you take it from oven.