This is probably the world's easiest cake recipe, and it's good in an emergency because most of the ingredients are things you probably keep around the house. It's also kind of magical, because you put in the ingredients, pour hot water over it, and when it comes out of the oven it has somehow turned into a layer of cake with a delicious hot fudge sauce on the bottom. I have no idea how that happens, and it totally amazes me every time. This is an old recipe of my mom's, which is apparently also known as Charlie Cake, although we're not sure why that is. Who's Charlie? But whoever he is, he likes yummy cake.

1 c flour
3/4 c sugar
2 Tbsp cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c milk
2 Tbsp melted butter or margarine
1 c finely chopped nuts (optional)
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c cocoa
1 3/4 c. hot water

Mix first 5 ingredients in bowl. blend in milk and butter. Stir in nuts, if desired. Pour into ungreased 9x9" pan. Stir together brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa. Sprinkle over batter. Pour hot water over all. Bake for 45 minutes @ 350 F.

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