1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp. cocoa
2 oz. red food coloring
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 oz. water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat; make paste of cocoa and food coloring. Add to the mixture. Sift together flour and salt. Add to batter alternating with buttermilk, vanilla, and water. Mix soda with vinegar and fold in to the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

FLUFFY BUTTER FROSTING:

6 tbsp. flour
1 1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. butter, room temperature
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine flour and milk; cook until thick, stirring constantly. Cool. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Add cooled milk mixture and beat 10 inch or until spreading consistency.