2 oz. red food coloring
3 tbsp. Nestle's instant cocoa powder
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
2 1/4 c. cake flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together food coloring, cocoa powder and set aside. Cream together the shortening and the sugar. Add the eggs and the coloring paste. Beat 10 minutes if using an electric mixer.

Add the buttermilk and slowly add the flour. Then the salt and the vanilla. Remove bowl from mixer and add by hand, mixing lightly, then vinegar and baking soda. Spoon into 3 (8 inch) greased and floured layer pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

RED VELVET ICING:

Cream well 1/4 pound butter, 1/2 cup Crisco, 1 cup sugar and add 3 tablespoons flour (one at a time), 2/3 cups milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat 12 minutes with electric mixer.