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

Cream shortening, sugar, eggs. Make a paste with food coloring and cocoa. Add to mixture. Add salt, buttermilk, flour, and vanilla. Remove from mixer and mix in but don't beat--the vinegar and soda. Pour into two 8 inch round cake pans, greased and floured.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Let cool. Split layers in half. Frost with icing.