Texas Sheet Cake

I'm in a chocolate mood today (well, everyday can include chocolate in my book!)  This is a cross between a brownie and cake- I've heard people call it both.  I'm not sure what I've decided it is.  But I did make up a song for it since I grew up in Texas.  "The cake at night is a big delight...(clap, clap, clap, clap)....deep in the heart of Texas!"  Alright, cheesy moment gone. 

RECIPE

2 C. flour

2 C. sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 C. water

1 stick butter

1/4 C. cocoa

1/2 C. buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

* In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, soda, cinnamon and salt together- set aside.  In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter and cocoa together (stir slowly & constantly).  When the sauce comes to a boil, add to the flour mixture and beat until it's well mixed (it will turn into a chocolate clump).  Add the buttermilk and mix, then vanilla (mix), then one egg at a time and keep mixing until everything is combined.  Spray and flour a cookie sheet and pour the batter in, spreading it with a spoon or spatula.  Bake at 375 for 15-17 minutes, turning half way thru.  Pour the frosting on right after it comes out of the oven:

Frosting

6 TBL butter

1/3 C. milk

1/4 C. cocoa

3 C. powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1/4 C. chopped pecans (optional)

* While the cake is baking, get the frosting ready.  (I use the same bowl and saucepan that I used for the cake....brownie....:)  Measure out the powdered sugar in a bowl.  Bring butter, milk and cocoa to a boil.  Pour it in to the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.  Add the vanilla and mix well.  Pour the frosting over the warm cake and use a spoon to spread it around (work quickly, cause the frosting starts to set as it cools.  You'll notice the 'cracks' in the first picture).  Sprinkle nuts on top.  Let the cake...brownie cool completely before eating.