Buttermilk cocoa cake

Cake:

¼ c baking cocoa

1 c water

½ c butter, cubed

2 c flour

2 c sugar

1 tsp baking soda

2 eggs, lightly beaten

½ c vegetable oil

½ c buttermilk

Buttermilk frosting:

¼ c cocoa

½ c butter, cubed

½ c buttermilk

3 ¾ powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

½ c chopped pecans, if desired

In a large saucepan, combine the cocoa and water until smooth; add butter.  Bring just to a boil.  Remove from the heat.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking soda; add cocoa mixture.  Combine eggs, oil and buttermilk; add to cocoa mixture and beat until smooth.  Pour into a greased 13x9 baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

In a large saucepan, bring the cocoa, butter, and buttermilk to a boil.  Remove from the heat.  Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla.  Spread over warm cake.  Sprinkle with pecans, if desired.  Cool on a wire rack.