Originally Published:
Like Mama Used to Make . . . and More, 1986
Original Images:

1 c. butter (or margarine)
1 c. water
1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 t. baking soda
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 t. vanilla
FROSTING:
4 T. butter (or margarine)
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa
1/4 c. buttermilk
1 t. vanilla
2 1/4 c. powdered sugar, sifted

In medium saucepan combine butter, water and cocoa. Cook and stir till mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside. In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar and soda. Add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir batter into hot cocoa mixture. By hand, beat till well combined. Pour into greased and floured 15 x 10 x 1" baking pan. Bake in 400° oven for 20 minutes. While brownies are warm, pour frosting on top. Cut into bars when cool. To make frosting, combine butter, cocoa and buttermilk in a saucepan; bring to boiling. Mixture may appear to be slightly curdled. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar. Yield: 2 dozen bars.