2 1/4 c. self-rising flour
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. water
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 stick butter
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine flour, sugar, salt and cocoa in mixing bowl. Put water, oil and butter in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Pour in bowl with dry ingredients. Add eggs, buttermilk, soda and vanilla. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into lightly greased and floured 13 x 9-inch pan.

Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes (glass pan at 325°F).

Frosting:

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

Using same saucepan, melt butter, milk and vanilla. Remove from heat. Add confectioners sugar and cocoa. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes (chopped nuts are optional). Pour on cake as soon as it comes from oven.