1 stick butter
1 c. hot buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. cocoa
2 eggs
2 c. light brown sugar
2 c. plain flour
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter in hot buttermilk, then add sugar. Blend until dissolved and beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, cocoa, and soda. Blend into other mixture, mixing thoroughly.

TOPPING FOR PRALINE CAKE:

1 stick butter
3/4 c. chopped nuts (optional)
6 tbsp. evaporated milk
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 c. light brown sugar
1 c. flaked coconut

Mix in order given and blend over low heat top of stove. Spread this mixture over baked cake and return to oven under broiler. Cook until coconut is toasted and top bubbly.

NOTE: If buttermilk is not on hand, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar to 1 cup regular milk.