1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour, sifted
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. Crisco
1 c. buttermilk
2 tbsp. cocoa
2 oz. red food coloring

Combine ingredients, mix thoroughly (several minutes). When cake is mixed, in separate cup, dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 tablespoon vinegar. Immediately fold into cake mix. Do not beat.

Pour mix into either one 9x13 inch or 2 round greased and floured pans. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool.

FROSTING:

1 c. milk
1/4 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1/2 lb. butter
1/2 c. Crisco

In pan on stove top, mix milk and flour and bring to boil. Let cool completely! (Makes a paste.) Mix together sugar, butter, and Crisco and beat until creamy. Mix this mixture plus boiled and cooled mixture at high speed until fluffy. Frost cool cake.

My family's Christmas Eve favorite; my husband's favorite birthday cake.