1/2 c. butter plus 2 tbsp.
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 oz. red food coloring
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. vinegar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk plus 2 tbsp.
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream the butter and the sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add the food coloring, cocoa and vanilla; beat well. Add sifted salt, baking powder and flour alternately with the buttermilk.

In a separate bowl put the soda in the vinegar. Sprinkle over batter. Fold (don't beat) until well blended. Bake in three 8 inch layer pans at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

ICING:

1 box confectioners' sugar
1 lg. cream cheese
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla