Chocolate Sheet Cake

This recipe reminds me of my brother, David. On many Sundays he would make this cake and, in fact, had the recipe memorized because he made it so often.

2 C. sugar
2 C. flour
1/2 C. margarine
1/2 C. shortening
3-1/2 Tbsp. cocoa
1 C. water
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 C. buttermilk *
1 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt

In a large mixing bowl, mix together sugar and flour. Set aside. In a saucepan, put margarine, shortening, cocoa, and water. Bring mixture to a boil. Pour chocolate mixture into bowl with sugar and flour. Then add eggs, baking soda, buttermilk, vanilla, and salt. Mix together and put in greased and floured jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Start making icing 5 minutes before cake is done.

Icing:
1/2 C. margarine
3-1/2 Tbsp. cocoa
1/3 C. milk
2 C. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

In a saucepan put margarine, cocoa, and milk. Bring to a boil and add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread icing on cake while it is still hot.

*Substitution for buttermilk: 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice plus milk to equal 1/2 C. Let stand for a few minutes until the milk begins to curdle.