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

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Make a paste of coloring and cocoa. Add and mix. Combine buttermilk with vanilla and add alternately with the flour combined with salt. Add soda and vinegar. Mix well. Cook 30 minutes at 350°F in two 9-inch pans. When cool, split layers to make 4 layers.

Frosting:

3 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 butter (2 sticks)
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Cook flour and milk until thick; cool. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (not grainy). Add vanilla and flour/milk mixture.