Frosting:

3 c. sugar
1 pinch soda
1 c. milk
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 level tsp. baking powder
1/4 lb. butter
1 box coconut
1 c. nuts
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
1 c. raisins (if desired)
1 tsp. vanilla

Cook first 6 ingredients to soft stage and remove from heat; add coconut, nuts, drained pineapple, raisins, and vanilla. Beat until hard and put between layer and on top of cake.

Note: If making a sheet, divide recipe and make only half of the filling for the top of the layer.

Cream butter and sugar well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Save out 1/2 c. flour; mix soda in buttermilk. Add 2 1/2 c. flour and buttermilk to sugar mixture. Mix cocoa in boiling water and add to batter. Dice apple in small pieces and roll in the 1/2 c. flour; add to batter. Add vanilla and stir.

Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Makes two 9 Inch layers.