1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 oz. red food coloring mixed with 1 oz. water
2 tbsp. (heaping) sweet milk cocoa (e.g. Nestle's Quik)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/4 c. cake flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. vinegar

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Make a paste of food coloring and cocoa. Add to the creamed mixture. Add buttermilk alternately with the sifted flour and salt. Add vanilla. Add soda to vinegar (but hold over bowl as it foams). Then add soda and vinegar, blending instead of beating. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes in 2 (8") greased and floured layer pans. Cool on rack.

FROSTING:

3 tbsp. flour
3/4 c. sweet milk
3/4 c. granulated sugar
2/3 c. butter
2 tsp. vanilla