Lysdahl's Chocolate Pudding Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose or unbleached flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans (if desired)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa (I use Ghirardelli premium baking cocoa)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted shortening or oil (I use vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
• 1 3/4 cups hot water