2 (1 oz.) bottles red food coloring
3 tbsp. instant cocoa (Nestle's)
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/2 c. cake flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix coloring and cocoa. Cream together shortening, sugar and eggs. Add color mixture. Beat 10 minutes with electric mixer at medium speed. Add buttermilk. Slowly add flour which has been sifted 3 times. Add salt and vanilla. Remove beaters. Fold in vinegar and soda lightly with spoon. Bake in 3, 8 inch pans which have been floured and wax papered, at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

This cake is good with any butter cream frosting.