2 1/2 c. sifted cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. quick chocolate flavored drink mix
1/2 c. shortening (not liquid)
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 oz. red food coloring (or less for lighter color)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
1 tbsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda

Sift together flour, salt and chocolate flavored mix. Cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add food coloring and vanilla. Mix buttermilk, vinegar and soda. Add alternately with dry ingredients to creamed mixture. Blend at low speed between each addition.

Grease and line with waxpaper (2) 9 x 1 1/2 cake pans. Pour in batter and bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees about 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pans and cool on racks before frosting with Mystery Icing.

MYSTERY ICING:

4 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
Dash of salt
1/4 tsp. vanilla or more if desired

Blend flour and milk. Cook until mixture thickens to consistency of cream. Cool, but don't chill. Cream sugar, butter and vegetable shortening. Add salt and vanilla. Add the slightly cooked flour mixture and continue beating until very fluffy. This makes enough icing for a 2 layer cake.