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

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat. Sift together flour, salt and cocoa. Add alternately with buttermilk. Add vanilla, food coloring and water. Mix together vinegar and soda; fold into batter. Bake in loaf pan or in two 9 inch round pans for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

RED VELVET TOPPING:

1 c. sweet milk
1/4 c. flour
1 stick butter
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar

Combine milk and flour in saucepan. Cook until consistency of pudding. Set aside to cool. Cream together butter, shortening and sugar. Add to cooled pudding and beat well.