2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 c. Crisco
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. water
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. buttermilk

Blend flour, sugar and butter. Melt Crisco, cocoa and water and add to blended ingredients. Add eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, soda and buttermilk.

Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Icing:

1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. sweet milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 box powdered sugar
pecans (if desired)

Melt butter, cocoa and sweet milk and beat well. Add vanilla, powdered sugar and pecans.