The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake

Ahhhh...what a beautiful day.  After all the fog/snow we have had in ND, I am so appreciative of days like today.  NO wind, sun shining, nearly 50 degrees (pretty much shorts weather in ND!).  I can't wait to get outside today to play with my daughter.  We will need to go for a walk, because our yard and driveway are still extremely wet but I just cannot wait to feel the sunshine on my face.  So, onto my recipe!  Today is not a day to spend too long on the computer!

This recipe is for Ree Drummond's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake.  Ever.  

If this isn't the best chocolate sheet cake ever, then I don't even want to go in search of the best.  Really, this was SO incredibly rich and delicious.  I ate it until my stomach hurt just like I tell my kids not to do.  This is a very dangerous recipe that I will not be making too often (or my pants will not fit anymore).  It is, however, perfect for special occasions.  The occasion the day I made this was that it was Monday.  Everyone needs a pick-me-up on Monday.  Right?  Perfectly reasonable. 

The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake.  Ever.

For the cake:

2 c. flour

2 c. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

4 Tbsp. (heaping) cocoa

2 sticks butter

1 c. boiling water

1/2 c. buttermilk

2 whole beaten eggs

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

For the frosting:

1/2 c. finely chopped pecans (I left these out)

1-3/4 sticks butter

4 Tbsp. (heaping) cocoa

6 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 lb. (minus 1/2 c.), powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

In a saucepan, melt butter.  Add cocoa.  Stir together.  Add boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat.  Pour over flour mixture and stir lightly to cool.

In a measuring cup, pour the buttermilk and add beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla.  Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture.  Pour into sheet cake pan and bake at 350* for 20 minutes.  

While cake is baking, make the icing.  Chop pecans finely.  Melt butter in a saucepan.  Add cocoa and stir to combine, then turn off heat.  Add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar.  Stir together.  Add the pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake. 

Cut into squares and enjoy.