2 eggs
2 oz. red food coloring
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1 pinch salt
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. buttermilk
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. plain flour
1 tsp. vinegar

Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring. Add to mixture. Mix soda, salt and flour. Add to mixture alternately with buttermilk. Combine vanilla and vinegar. Add immediately to mixture. Blend quickly. Pour into 2 (8 inch) pans. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

FROSTING:

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

Combine flour and milk. Cook over low heat until thick. Be careful as it thickens quickly. If it should lump, beat out the lumps with mixer and let cool. Cream Crisco, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Add to cooled flour mixture. Beat well. Spread on cake.

Red velvet is good with the Cream Cheese Frosting, too.