2 c. sifted flour
3-4 tbsp. cocoa
1 stick butter
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. sugar
1 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. buttermilk (or add 1 tsp. vanilla to regular milk)
1 tsp. cinnamon (opt.)

Combine flour and sugar in large bowl. In saucepan, combine cocoa, water, butter, and shortening. Bring to a rapid boil, add to flour mixture. Dissolve soda in buttermilk. Add with eggs, cinnamon and vanilla. Add to batter; mix well. Pour into greased and floured 11"x16" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until done.

ICING:

3-4 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 stick butter
1 box powdered sugar
1 c. chopped pecans

Bring cocoa, milk and butter to a boil. Add sugar and vanilla; mix well. Add nuts. Spread on hot cake when removed from oven.