Old Fashioned Chocolate cake

• 1 cup water.
• 1 cup butter or regular stick margarine.
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
• 2 cups granulated sugar.
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
• 1½ tsp. baking soda.
• ½ cup buttermilk, or plain non-fat or low-fat yogurt.
• 2 large eggs.
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract.
• ½ tsp. almond extract (optional).

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F., lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. Line bottom of pan with waxed paper or other paper to fit.
2. Bring water to a boil. Stir butter and cocoa until blended.
3. Mix flour, sugar and baking soda in a large bowl with, with electric mixer on low speed.
4. Gradually pour in butter mixture.
5. Increase speed to medium and beat until well blended. Beat in buttermilk, eggs and extract(s) until blended and smooth. 
6. Bake until a pick inserted near center of cake comes out clean, - 30 to 35 minutes.
7. Cool cake in pan on wire rack 10 to 15 min.
8. Invert on rack; peel-off paper and let cool completely before frosting.

• 1 cup butter or regular stick margarine.
• 2 pounds confectioners ‘sugar (4 cups).
• 6 tbsp. milk, or canned evaporated milk.
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract.