Aunt Irene's Chocolate Cake

 

1 cup water 

1/2 cup shortening 

1 stick butter 

4 tablespoons cocoa 

2 cups sugar 

2 eggs 

1/2 cup buttermilk 

1 teaspoon soda 

2 cups flour 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

 

Place first four ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Pour in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake at 325 degrees for about 35 minutes.

 

Icing:

1 stick butter 

4 tablespoons cocoa 

6 tablespoons milk 

1 lb. box powdered sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

1 cup chopped pecans 

 

Place first three ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then boil 5 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix well. Spread on top of the cooled cake.