CAKE:

2 c. sugar
2 c. flour, sifted
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. butter
1 c. water
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla

ICING:

1 stick butter
3 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. nuts, chopped (optional)

Stir together sugar, flour, soda and salt. In saucepan, combine butter, water and cocoa, stirring constantly. Bring to a rolling boil. Add to dry ingredients, mixing well. Stir in buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Pour into long baking pan (greased). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

ICING: Bring the butter, cocoa, and milk to a boil. Add sugar, vanilla, and nuts. Frost warm cake in pan. Cut and serve from pan.