1 c. water
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. sugar
2 sticks butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt

Sift or mix thoroughly flour and sugar. Put butter, cocoa and water in pan; bring to a boil. Pour over dry ingredients; stir well. Add buttermilk, soda, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs and salt; mix well. Bake 30-35 minutes in a greased and floured pan at 400 degrees.

FROSTING:

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

Mix butter, cocoa and milk in pan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add sugar, vanilla and nuts. Stir until well mixed; spread on hot cake.