1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 1/2 c. flour
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda, put into 1 tbsp. white vinegar and set aside
1 tsp. vanilla
2 oz. red food coloring
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk

Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and beat until smooth. Sift flour, salt and cocoa together and add alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and red coloring. Blend in baking soda and vinegar. Pour into 9 inch pans and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

FLUFFY ICING:

Blend 2 tablespoons flour with 1 cup milk. Cook and stir until thick. Set aside to cool. Cream 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Then add to cooked mixture. Beat 10 minutes at high speed.