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

In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and shortening. Add coloring and eggs beating after each. In a small mixing bowl, sift flour, salt and cocoa together. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with milk and vanilla. Beat. Dissolve soda in vinegar, fold with batter. Pour into greased pans. Bake 30-35 minutes in a 350 F. oven.

ICING:

1 c. milk
1/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. Crisco
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar

Cook milk, flour and salt over medium heat until thick. Cover and let cool until cold. Beat Crisco, butter and sugar until fluffy. Pour cold paste into sugar mixture and beat. Add vanilla.