Buttermilk Brownies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup margarine or butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 cup margarine or butter
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk
• 2 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan combine the 1 cup margarine or butter, the water, and the 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring mixture just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add the chocolate mixture to dry ingredients and beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed till thoroughly combined. Add eggs, the 1/2 cup buttermilk, and the 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat for 1 minute (batter will be thin).
3. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350° oven about 25 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
4. Meanwhile, for frosting, in a medium saucepan combine the 1/4 cup margarine or butter, the 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and the 3 tablespoons buttermilk. Bring to boiling. Remove from heat. Add powdered sugar and the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat till smooth. Stir in chopped pecans, if desired. Pour warm frosting over the warm brownies, spreading evenly. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.