Chocolate Sheet Cake - Since You Asked

2 cups sifted flour                            
2 cups sugar                                     
1 tsp soda                                              
1 teaspoon cinnamon                                                                                                   
 2 sticks margarine
1 cup water                                       
4 tablespoons cocoa                               
1/2 cup buttermilk                                                                            S
2 eggs well beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

Icing
1 stick margarine (I use butter)
4 tablespoons cocoa
6 tablespoons milk
1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar - sometimes I add more powdered sugar to make icing thicker :)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts (I use walnuts)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 13 x 9 - 2 inch deep pan ( I use one slightly larger)
Sift together flour, sugar, soda and cinnamon.  Place in small saucepan margarine,  water
cocoa and bring to boil, pour into flour mixture and mix well.  Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla,  Pour into  prepared pan and bake for 25 - 30 minutes (until springs back when touched - cake will be soft)
Spread with warm icing.

Icing -  while cake is baking - place margarine or butter, cocoa, and milk in small saucepan, mix and bring to boil.  Remove from heat and add sugar, vanilla, nuts.  If too thick, add some more milk.  Spread on warm sheet cake.



From "The Nashville Cookbook" Specialties of Cumberland Region -   my copy I wrote inside when I bought in 1976.  At that time I lived at the Old Farm House with my youngest daughter "Jamie" and my only son.   Oh - time - where have you gone....
 
I have made this cake more times then I can remember.  Always a favorite and never fails to receive
compliments.

Hint - I rarely keep buttermilk on hand - I put vinegar in the milk and let it sit 5 minutes.