1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. lard
2 c. flour
2 tbsp. cocoa
2 tbsp. water
2 tbsp. red food coloring
1 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. vinegar

Combine sugar, lard, flour, cocoa, salt, premixed water and food coloring, 2/3 cup buttermilk in mixing bowl. Beat well. Add eggs, 1/3 cup buttermilk, vanilla and mix vinegar, soda. Stir into batter by hand. Do not beat. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Bake in 2 (9 inch) layer pans.

FROSTING:

1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
1 c. butter
1/4 c. flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine flour, salt. Add milk slowly, cooking while stirring until thick. Cool. Beat sugar, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Add milk mixture and beat. Spread on cake and garnish with nuts.