3/4 c. shortening
2 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 lg. eggs (or 3 sm. eggs)
3 sq. melted chocolate (cooled)
2 tbsp. cocoa
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. ice water (place ice cubes in to make very cold)
1 tsp. red food coloring

Cream shortening, sugar, vanilla and eggs. Mix well until light and fluffy. Add melted chocolate. Mix together all dry ingredients in small bowl. Alternating flour mixture and ice water, mix with shortening mixture. Add food coloring. Beat 4 minutes on medium speed. Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 inch cake pans. Bake 40 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean, in a 350 degree oven.

Frosting:
1/2 c. Crisco
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. milk

Cook flour and milk on medium heat until slightly thickened. Cool. Set aside. Combine Crisco and sugar. Beat about 4 minutes. Add flour mixture. Beat until no more sugar can be tasted, about 10 minutes. Add vanilla. Spread frosting on cake.