Ingredients
1 cup butter, cubed1/4 cup baking cocoa1 cup water2 cups sugar2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup buttermilk2 large eggs, beaten1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 to 4 drops red food coloring, optionalFROSTING:1/2 cup butter, cubed1/4 cup baking cocoa1/4 cup buttermilk3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractDash salt3/4 cup chopped almonds, optional
Preparation
In a saucepan, bring butter, cocoa and water just to a boil. Cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour and baking soda and salt. Pour over dry ingredients; mix well.
Add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring if desired. Mix until well combined. Pour into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
For frosting, melt butter, cocoa and buttermilk in a saucepan. Stir in the sugar, vanilla and salt. Spread over warm cake. Top with nuts if desired.
