1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 oz. red food coloring
2 c. flour
1 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream together first five ingredients. Add mixture of flour, cocoa, salt and soda to shortening. Add: 1 tbsp. vinegar

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. I use three round pans. Makes a prettier iced cake.

RED VELVET CAKE ICING:

1 c. milk
1/4 c. flour (I use cornstarch)
Dash salt
1 c. sugar
1 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. shortening

Cook milk, flour (or cornstarch and salt to pudding stage and let set. Cream together sugar, butter, vanilla and shortening. Add to pudding and beat. Add 1 can coconut. Ice top of each layer only and top.