1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 oz. (1/4 c.) red food coloring
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. cake flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Make a paste of the coloring and cocoa and add to the mixture. Add buttermilk with salt alternately with flour and vanilla. Add soda and vinegar. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes in two 9 inch pans. Cool and cut layers into two crosswise layers (makes 4 layers). Spread layers and top with following icing.

RED VELVET CAKE ICING:

3 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sugar
1 c. butter

Cook the flour and milk mixture until medium thick. Cool. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla. Blend this mixture into the flour and milk. Spread on cake.