Mix together and let stand:

2 oz. red food coloring
3 tbsp. Nestles Quick cocoa

Cream:

1/2 c. Crisco
1 1/2 c. sugar

Add:

2 eggs
Coloring mixture and mix well

Add:

1 c. buttermilk alternately with 2 1/4 c. cake flour (sifted 4 times)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Remove from beater when mixed well and add one teaspoon baking soda and mix by hand. Bake 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

RED VELVET CAKE ICING:

6 tbsp. flour
1 1/2 c. milk

Cook until thick - set aside and let cool.

Cream:

1 1/2 c. sugar
2 pinches salt
3/4 c. Crisco
3/4 c. butter

Add 3 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until fluffy and add cooked flour mixture. Beat until fluffy.