Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup buttermilk. Mix 2 cups sugar and 2 cups self rising flour in bowl. Heat until it boils:

1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. water
1/2 c. oil

Pour hot mixture over sugar and flour. Pour buttermilk in. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well by hand. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Frost.

FROSTING:

Heat to boiling:

1 stick butter
6 tbsp. buttermilk
3 tbsp. cocoa

Remove from heat and add 1 box confectioners' sugar. Stir until creamy. Add 1 cup chopped nuts and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Frost with hot frosting.