Sandy's Texas Sheet Cake

                                                                                     
Who does not like Texas Sheet Cake? It is rich and delicious. This recipe came from a step-aunt of mine, Sandy Buery, who used to bring this to family gatherings. I am so glad I was able to get this recipe from her as she died earlier this year from Cancer. Sandy made some very tasty foods that our entire family enjoyed. Her recipe has now become mine as I've made it several times over the past few years.

Sandy's Texas Sheet Cake

Cake:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 sticks butter (half pound)*
4 Tbls. baking cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk*
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Icing:
1 stick butter
1 Tbls. baking cocoa
6 Tbls. milk 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Cake:
Sift together the flour and sugar; set aside.
In saucepan, add 2 sticks butter, cocoa, and water; bring to a rapid boil, then pour over the sugar mixture; mix well. Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla. Blend well. Pour into a greased 17" x 11 3/4" cookie sheet (1" lip). Bake at 400F degrees for 20 minutes. About 5 minutes before done make icing.

Icing:
In a 2 qart sauce pan, melt the butter. Add the cocoa and milk and bring to a boil.. Remove from heat. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well. Stir in chopped nuts. Spread over hot cake. Allow to set up.

*Use only real butter.
*Either walnuts or pecans can be used.