1 c. water
1/2 c. melted butter
1/2 c. shortening
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
Chocolate frosting

Combine first four ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Combine buttermilk and soda; set aside. Gradually add flour and sugar to chocolate mixture, blending well. Add buttermilk mixture, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Pour batter into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan; bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Spread with chocolate frosting while hot and still in pan. (Excellent for groom's cake. Double recipe, bake in layer pans, cool, remove from pan then ice.) Yield: 12 servings.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

1/2 c. melted butter
1/4 c. cocoa
6 tbsp. milk
1 (16 oz.) pkg. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. pecans
1 c. coconut