1/2 c. Crisco oil
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 oz. red food coloring (I use 1 bottle)
2 1/4 c. plain flour
1 scant salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. buttermilk
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. Butter Flavoring (if desired) (I don't use)

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Add food coloring stir in to mixture. Add salt and flour, then add buttermilk and vanilla. Alternately add soda and vinegar. Don't beat hard, just blend. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Bake in two 8 inch pans greased and floured. (I bake mine in 3 pans.) Watch when baking I only bake about 20 minutes. Open oven about 20-25 minutes and check. Don't beat with mixer much and on just blend.

FROSTING:

3 tbsp. flour
1 c. butter or shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. milk
1 c. granulated sugar

Cook flour and milk on low heat until thick. Cool. Cream sugar, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Add to flour milk mixture. Beat until mixture is like whipped cream. Spread on layers. Sprinkle with coconut or nuts if desired.

QUICK FROSTING:

1 box 10X confectioners' sugar
1 cream cheese (8 oz.)
1 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla