2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 stick butter
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. water
3 1/3 to 4 tbsp. cocoa
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar and flour together in bowl. Combine butter, shortening, water, and cocoa in saucepan; let it come to a rapid boil. Pour over sugar and flour mixture; mix well. Add eggs, buttermilk (to which soda has been added), cinnamon, and vanilla. Bake in greased and floured oblong pan for 35 minutes at 350 degrees (or in cookie sheet with sides at 400 degrees for 20 minutes). Frost cake immediately after taking from oven.

FROSTING:

1 stick butter
4 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk
1 lb. confectioners sugar
1 c. chopped nuts
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine butter, cocoa, and milk in pan. Cook until hot and butter is melted. Add sugar, nuts, and vanilla. Spread over hot cake.

One tablespoons vinegar in 1 cup milk for sour milk.