1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. cocoa
2 oz. (1/4 c.) red food coloring
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/2 c. sifted flour (cake)
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and beat well. Make a paste of the cocoa and red food coloring; add to the creamed mixtures. Mix salt, vanilla, and buttermilk together; add flour alternately with buttermilk mixture to the creamed mixture.

Mix soda and vinegar together and fold into batter. Do not beat or stir. Bake in 2 (9-inch) pans at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

RED VELVET CAKE ICING:

5 tsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Cook the flour and milk in saucepan over low heat until thick, stirring constantly. Cook thoroughly.