VERY EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR A CROWD

Whenever the grandchildren want to drop in, or when we have
family dinners or unexpected company, this is quick and delicious.

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

2 sticks butter

1 cup water

5 Tablespoons cocoa powder

2 eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix flour and sugar in a large bowl. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil and pour over the flour/sugar mixture. Mix well. Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Pour into a well-greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

For the Fudge Icing:

1 stick butter

4 Tablespoons milk

4 Tablespoons cocoa powder

1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans – optional

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, milk, and cocoa and bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, stirring well with a whisk or wooden spoon until the sugar melts and the mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla and pecans, then pour over hot cake.

SERVES 12 – 14.

BUON MANGIATA!