1 (14 ounce) package caramels
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups shortening, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cocoa
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
Combine caramels, sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup shortening; melt
over medium heat; set aside. Mix together flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa.
Beat together sugar and remaining 3/4 cup shortening until fluffy. Beat in
eggs. Combine water, buttermilk and vanilla; add alternately with flour
mixture, beating well. Spread half of batter into greased 13 by 9 inch
baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Spoon caramel mixture
evenly over cake. Spread remaining batter evenly over caramel. Sprinkle with
nuts.
Bake an additional 40 minutes. Loosen sides of cake while warm. Cool.
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