CAKE:

2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 stick butter
3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. Crisco
1 c. water
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk or 1/2 c. milk & 1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda

FROSTING:

1 stick butter
1/3 c. milk
3 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2-1 c. nuts (optional)

Mix flour and sugar. Set aside. Bring cocoa, Crisco, butter and water to a boil and add to dry ingredients. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, salt and soda. Bake in greased 17 x 12 inch cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Make frosting while cake is in oven.

Mix butter, milk and cocoa; bring to a boil. Add 1 pound powdered sugar and vanilla. Pour over hot cake. Add chopped nuts if desired.