Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour large cookie sheet. In large mixing bowl, sift 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

In saucepan melt and bring to rolling boil 1 cup butter (2 sticks), 1 cup water and 1/4 cup cocoa (set aside). In small mixing bowl: 1/2 c. buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla

Beat into flour and sugar mixture. Add hot cocoa mixture. Spread onto cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Bring to boil: 1/4 c. cocoa 1/3 c. plus 2 tsp. buttermilk

Add 1 box (2 cups) powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup chopped nuts. Beat until spreading consistency and spread over cake.