1 c. butter, softened
3 c. sugar
6 eggs
1 oz. red food coloring
3 tbsp. cocoa
3 c. plain flour
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice

FROSTING:

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 box powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. chopped walnuts

Cream butter gradually. Add sugar and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix food coloring with cocoa and add to mixture. Add flour alternately with buttermilk. Add vanilla and salt. Mix baking soda with vinegar and gently stir into mixture. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured cake pans. Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees. Cool and frost.

For Frosting: Mix ingredients until well blended.