1/2 c. shortening (half shortening, 1/2 butter)
2 oz. red food coloring
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. heaping cocoa
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt (scant)
1 tbsp. vinegar

Combine sugar, shortening and eggs. Cream well. Add coloring to cocoa (mix); then add to first mixture. Add buttermilk and flour mixture. Blend all this real well. Last, add soda to vinegar and blend in slowly and easily. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes in 2 or 3 layers. Makes 2 (9 inch) layers.

FROSTING:

3 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. butter
1 c. powdered sugar

Mix flour and milk together. Cook until thick and stir constantly. Stir until cool. Cream vanilla, butter and sugar add thickened flour to the frosting. Will look funny but continue beating it will look like frosting eventually.