1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 oz. red food coloring
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/4 c. cake flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. vinegar
2 tbsp. cocoa

Cream shortening, add sugar and eggs. Cream after each ingredient is added. Make a paste with food coloring and cocoa. Add paste to sugar and mixture. Add salt to buttermilk. Add alternating with flour; add soda and vinegar; mix well. Pour into prepared 9x13 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Red Velvet Cake Icing:

7 tbsp. flour
1 1/2 c. milk

Mix together and cook until thick. Cool in refrigerator.

1 1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. shortening

Cream sugar and shortening. Add to flour mixture. Add vanilla. Mix until light and fluffy.