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

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:

1 c. vegetable shortening
1 box confectionary sugar
1/4 c. evaporated milk
Few drops butter flavor

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Make paste of food coloring and cocoa, add to shortening and egg mixture. Add salt, flour and flavoring alternately with buttermilk. Add soda mixed with vinegar; blend. Do not beat hard. Pour into 2 (8") greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees about 30 minutes or until done.

FROSTING: Mix ingredients and spread on cake.