1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. buttermilk
2 oz. red food color
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. flour

FROSTING:

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

Mix soda and vinegar, set aside. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs. Make paste of cocoa and food color, add to shortening and egg mixture. Into this mixture, add flour and buttermilk alternately. Add vanilla, then add soda/vinegar solution; beat well.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes in two 8 inch prepared cake pans. When cool, split each layer to end up with 4 layers. Frost.

FROSTING: Cook milk and flour until thick. Add vanilla. In separate bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy; add to first mixture and beat well. Serves 10 to 12.