1/2 c. shortening (Crisco)
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. to 2 oz. red food coloring
2 tbsp. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/4 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. vinegar

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs, make paste of food coloring and cocoa and add to mixture. Add buttermilk and vanilla, then sift salt, soda and flour together. Mix well. Remove from mixer and mix in but do not BEAT vinegar. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes in two 9 inch layer pans. Must have Red Velvet Icing.

RED VELVET ICING:

5 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
2 sticks butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Cook flour and milk to smooth thick paste, stirring constantly. Let cool. Cream butter and sugar. Add flour mixture and vanilla and beat until fluffy. Add few drops red food coloring and ice cake when cold.