1 lb. brown sugar, sifted
1 1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 c. milk
5 whole eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. pecans (opt.)

Cream oil and sugar well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each one. Add sifted dry ingredients; alternate with milk and blend well. Add vanilla and beat until smooth. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Grease and flour pan. Bake in tube pan.

FROSTING:

1 stick butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. milk
2 c. powdered sugar

Sift brown sugar and stir 1 minute in melted butter over medium heat. Cool and add powdered sugar and milk. Beat and add vanilla. Spread on cool cake.