Ingredients

• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (heaping) cocoa
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For the icing:
• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (heaping) cocoa
• 4 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (measure first, then sift)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Makes one sheet cake