2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cocoa
3/4 c. oil
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 (1 oz.) bottle red food coloring
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar

Sift flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa in bowl. Cream oil and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Add eggs, one at a time; beat well after each. Add food coloring; mix until well blended.

Combine buttermilk and soda; mix well. Add to oil-sugar mixture alternately with dry ingredients. Add vinegar and vanilla. Mix well. Spoon into 2 greased 9 inch round pans.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake 25-30 minutes. Combine milk and remaining sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Spoon evenly on each layer. Cool and frost with recipe below.

FROSTING:

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. vanilla
1 lb. confectioners' sugar
1 c. coconut (optional)
4-5 drops red food coloring

Cream cream cheese, vanilla, confectioners' sugar and food coloring in large mixing bowl. Stir in coconut if desired. Frost cool layers.