Chocolate Sheet Cake

 CHOCOLATE SHEET CAKE from Lovina’s Amish Kitchen

2 cups white sugar

2 cups flour

1 cup water

½ cup shortening

½ cup butter

4 tablespoons cocoa

2 eggs

½ cup buttermilk or sour milk

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

 In a large bowl mix sugar and flour. In a saucepan, bring water, shortening, butter, and cocoa to a boil, stirring constantly and pour over flour and sugar mixture. Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, salt, and vanilla mixing well. Pour into a greased 12 x 15 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

FROSTING

½ cup butter

6 tablespoons milk

4 tablespoons cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups powdered sugar

Nuts (optional)

In a medium sized bowl add 3 cups powdered sugar and set aside. In a saucepan mix butter, milk, cocoa, and vanilla bringing to a full boil, stirring constantly. Pour over powdered sugar and mix well. Pour over the cake while the frosting is still warm. Sprinkle with your choice of nuts if desired.