2 1/2 c. plain flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. vinegar
2 oz. red food coloring
1/2 c. Wesson oil or shortening (I use half of each)
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs

Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs and beat well. Mix cocoa and food coloring together; add vinegar. Sift together flour, soda, and salt. Add color mixture to sugar mixture. Alternately add flour and buttermilk; add vanilla. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes in two 8-inch cake pans greased and floured. Cool until cold and frost with Cream Cheese Icing. Serves 16.

CREAM CHEESE ICING:

8 oz. cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 box 10X powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)