1 c. Crisco
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 oz. red food coloring
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar
2 tbsp. cocoa, level
Pinch of salt
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/2 c. Cake flour
1 tbsp. vanilla

Cream Crisco, sugar and eggs. Make a paste of food coloring and color. Add to mixture. Add flour, salt, buttermilk and vanilla. Blend well. Mix in, but do not beat vinegar and soda. Bake two layers at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let layers get cool before frosting.

FROSTING FOR RED VELVET CAKE:

4 tbsp. corn starch
2 c. water
2 c. sugar
2 c. butter
2 tsp. vanilla

Cook corn starch and water until thick. Let it get cold. Cream together sugar, butter and vanilla. Add to cornstarch. Whip until fluffy. Spread between layers and on the sides. Top with chopped nuts.