Chicago Chocolate Cinnamon Cake

This recipe comes from the Ivory Family Favorite's cookbook.  We made it for my mother-on-law's birthday.  It was delicious!  I can't wait to make it again (with pecans in the frosting).

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1/4 cup cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt

Glaze:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup cocoa
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans, optional

• Mix flour and sugar in large bowl.
• Bring 1 cup butter, 1/4 cup cocoa and water to a boil in saucepan.  Pour over flour mixture and mix well.
• Add buttermilk, baking soda, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, eggs and salt and mix well.
• Pour into greased and floured 9x13 pan.  Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Bring 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup cocoa, milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla to a boil in saucepan; remove from heat.
• Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until spreading consistency. 
• Stir in pecan in desired.  Pour over warm cake.
• It is great eaten warm with ice-cream, or cold the next day.