1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/4 c. cake flour
2 oz. red food coloring
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. white vinegar

ICING:

3 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
2 sticks butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Chopped pecans

Cream shortening, sugar. Add eggs, salt, buttermilk and flour. Make a paste of red coloring, cocoa and vanilla. Stir into batter. Mix soda and vinegar together and fold into batter. Pour in greased 9 x 13 pan and bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees.

Icing: Cook flour and milk until thick. Cool. Beat sugar, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Beat in milk and flour mixture. Spread on cake and sprinkle on pecans.