1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. red food coloring
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt

Dissolve soda in vinegar and set aside. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs. Dissolve cocoa in part of food coloring. Add flour and salt alternately with buttermilk. Add vanilla. Add soda and vinegar mixture. Bake in 2 (8 inch) layer pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool. Add frosting.