Texas Sheet Cake

INGREDIENTS

2 cups sugar

2 cups flour

1 cup butter

4 T. cocoa

1 cup water

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. baking soda

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 tsp. vanilla

DIRECTIONS

Combine sugar and flour in a mixer bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, cocoa, and water. Bring to a boil. Pour over flour/sugar mixture; beating as you pour slowly. Mix well. Add buttermilk, soda, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into a greased 10x14 inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool completely and then frost with chocolate frosting. Sprinkle with nuts (optional).

Frosting: 

1 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 T. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1 tsp. vanilla 

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/3 cup milk

Heat chocolate and butter in a mixer bowl set over (not in) a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until almost melted. Remove from heat; stir until completely melted.

With mixer on low speed, add vanilla and salt. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and milk in alternating batches; beat until smooth. Let stand 5 minutes before spreading on cake.