1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar
1/3 c. cocoa
1 egg
3/4 c. oil (Crisco)
1/2 c. hot water
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla

ICING FOR "STIR UP" CAKE:

3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. sweet milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix dry ingredients in bowl, add oil and stir; stir in milk, add hot water and mix thoroughly. Add beaten eggs and vanilla. Bake at 325 degrees approximately 45 minutes.

ICING: Mix cocoa and sugar, then add milk and butter. Cook until thick (boiling point for about 2 minutes). Add vanilla. Spread on cake while cake is hot. (1/2 cup nuts are optional.)