2 c. flour
1/2 c. butter
1 c. water
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon (opt.)
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening (or oil)
1/4 c. cocoa
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour and sugar into mixing bowl; blend well. Bring to rapid boil in saucepan the butter, shortening, water and cocoa. Pour over flour-sugar mixture and mix well. Combine remaining ingredients and add all at once to the batter, mixing well. Pour into greased and lightly floured 9"x13"x2" pan and bake at 400 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until it tests done.

For a sheet cake, use a 16"x11"x1" pan and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool 10 to 15 minutes while preparing frosting.

DREAM FROSTING:

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter
3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
1/3 c. milk
1 lb. powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. chopped pecans

Combine butter, cocoa and milk in saucepan. heat slowly and bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients, beat well and spread over cake while it is still warm. Leave cake in pan until ready to serve. Cut in squares.