Buttermilk Cocoa Bars

With a cake-like texture and chocolate frosting, this recipe is actually easier than the end-product appears. Substitute plain or vanilla yogurt for the buttermilk, if needed. The recipe can be doubled and baked in a 15x10" pan. 

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
- 1/2 cup water

- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 drops red food coloring (optional)

- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk

- 1 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash of salt
- 3/8 cup chopped almonds (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8" or 9x9" baking pan. 

In a small saucepan, bring the first 3 ingredients just to a boil. Cool.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the cocoa mixture and buttermilk. Mix well. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and food coloring (optional).

Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

For frosting, melt 1/4 cup butter with 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over warm cake. Garnish with chopped almonds, if desired.