2 oz. or 1/4 c. red food coloring
3 tbsp. Nestles Quick chocolate mix
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. cake flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix and set aside food coloring and Nestle Quik. Mix well so you don't have bits of chocolate pieces. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and the color paste. Beat 10 minutes (YES - 10 MINUTES). Add buttermilk and slowly add flour, then salt and vanilla. Remove from mixer. Mix vinegar and soda in a cup separately and mix well. Add to mixture by hand.

Bake in 3 (8-inch) pans that are greased and floured for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F.

Icing:

1/4 c. butter (must be at room temperature)
1/2 c. Crisco
1 c. sugar
3 tbsp. flour
2/3 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and Crisco. Add 1 cup sugar; mix well. Add 3 tablespoons flour, one spoon at a time. Add 2/3 cup of milk (needs to be at room temperature also) and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat 12 minutes. Layer icing in between layers and on top. Enjoy!!!

Hints: Make sure milk and butter are room temperature or icing will be gritty.