Chocolate Buttermilk Squares

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, cubed
• ¼ cup baking cocoa
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
• ½ cup butter, cubed
• ¼ cup baking cocoa
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dash salt
• ¾ cup chopped almonds, optional
• 3 to 4 drops red food coloring, optional

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring butter, cocoa and water just to a boil. Let it Cool.
2. eanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add cocoa mixture and buttermilk. Mix well.
3. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and, if desired, food coloring. Pour into a greased and floured 15x10x1-in. baking pan.
4. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
For Frosting:
5. Melt butter with cocoa and buttermilk. Stir in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt. Spread over warm cake.
6. Garnish with nuts if desired.