1/2 c. Crisco
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
1 1/2 tsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. plain flour, sifted
2 oz. red food coloring
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream sugar and Crisco together. Add eggs and cream all together. Set aside. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring. Add to sugar mixture and set aside. Mix salt and vanilla with buttermilk; set aside. Mix flour and baking powder, and add to sugar mixture, alternately with buttermilk mixture. Mix baking soda and vinegar, and fold in mixture. Do not beat! Put in 3 greased layer pans and bake for 30 minutes.

FROSTING:

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

Sift flour; add 1/4 cup milk and make a paste. Add remaining milk. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Let stand until cold. Cream together sugar, butter and vanilla. Add to mixture and beat for 5 minutes.