3 c. plain flour
3 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. cocoa
1 1/2 c. water
3/4 c. buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs, slightly beaten

Mix flour and sugar; mix butter, cocoa, and water and bring to a rapid boil; pour over flour and sugar mixture. Add rest of ingredients. Mix well and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

ICING:

1 c. butter
1/3 c. milk
1/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add 1 box confectioners sugar and beat well. Add 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts or coconut if desired.