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

Combine water, butter and cocoa in heavy saucepan; bring to boil stirring constantly. Gradually add to flour mixture. Stir in buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Pour into 13"x9"x2" pan and bake at 350 degrees until done, 25 to 35 minutes. While warm, prick cake surface with a meat fork and add frosting.

CHOCOLATE CANDY FROSTING:

1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. + 2 tbsp. evaporated milk (not condensed milk)
1/4 c. cocoa
1 (16 oz.) XXXX sugar, sifted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. pecans or walnuts

Combine butter, milk and cocoa in saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to a boil. Immediately take off heat and add vanilla and nuts. Stir constantly 3 to 5 minutes until frosting begins to lose its gloss. Frost warm cake. Chill and cut.