2/3 c. butter flavor Crisco
1 3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. cocoa
2 tbsp. (1 oz.) red food coloring
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/3 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 (9") round layer pans. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl cream Crisco, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. In 1 cup measure combine cocoa and food coloring, stir until smooth. Blend into creamed mixture. Add buttermilk, flour, baking soda and salt. Beat at low speed of electric mixer until blended, scraping bowl constantly. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes scraping the bowl occasionally. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes, remove from pan. Cool completely. Frost with fluffy frosting.