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

Cream together shortening, sugar and eggs. (Make a paste with cocoa and red food coloring; set aside.)

Mix salt and vanilla with buttermilk. Add alternately with flour, to creamed mixture. Add cocoa and red food coloring paste to flour and creamed mixture. Mix vinegar and soda, add to mixture. Do not beat, stir in gently. Pour into cake pans that are floured and greased. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

RED VELVET ICING:

5 tbsp. flour
1 c. butter
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. granulated sugar

Cook milk and flour until thick. Cool completely. Cream together sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth. Add to cooled mixture. Whip to the consistency of whipped cream (about 5 minutes).