Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F.

Step 2

Grease a jelly roll pan and set aside.

Step 3

Melt the butter until it is a golden brown in a heavy pan. Do not let it burn.

Step 4

Add the water and the cocoa and stir until smooth.

Step 5

Bring to a boil, stirring.

Step 6

Remove from heat.

Step 7

Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Step 8

Beat in eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk.

Step 9

Stir in cocoa mixture and stir until smooth.

Step 10

Spoon into jellyroll pan, smoothing out evenly.

Step 11

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Step 12

Remove from oven.

Step 13

About 5 minutes before the cake is ready to come out of the oven melt the butter in saucepan until golden brown.

Step 14

Add the milk and the cocoa.

Step 15

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring smooth.

Step 16

Remove from heat and add the Confectioner's sugar, pecans and vanilla.

Step 17

Mix quickly and spoon over the warm cake.

Step 18

Cut in squares to serve.