2 bottles red food coloring (1/2 oz. each)
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda

1. Combine food coloring and cocoa; let stand.

2. Cream shortening, beat in sugar slow. Add eggs and color mix; beat well.

3. Add buttermilk alternately with salt and flour; beat well adding vanilla.

4. Remove from mixer and mix in vinegar and soda with spoon. Pour in two 8-9 inch cake pans that have been greased well. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

5. Remove from pans, slice each cake in half slicing it with a piece of thread.

ICING:

4 tsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. shortening
2 tsp. vanilla