CHOCOLATE BUTTERMILK SQUARES
1 cup butter
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 lb.confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash salt
3/4 cup chopped almonds,optional

In a saucepan, bring butter, cocoa, and water to a boil. Cool. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Pour cocoa mixture over dry ingredients; mix well. Combime buttermilk and baking soda; add to cocoa mixture along with eggs and vanilla. Mix until well combined. Pour into a greased and floured 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. For frosting, melt butter with cocoa and buttermilk. Stir in sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over warm cake; top with nuts if desired.
YEILD:15 servings.