1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. butter flavor
1 1/2 oz. red food color
3 tbsp. cocoa
2 1/2 c. cake flour, sifted
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream first 5 ingredients well. In a separate bowl, mix next 2 ingredients to create a paste; then add to creamed mixture. Mix well. Alternately add flour, salt and buttermilk. Mix well. Combine vinegar and soda in a separate bowl, then pour into batter. Mix well.

Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes in three 9-inch greased and floured cake pans. When cooled, frost.

Icing:

3 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. butter flavor

Place first 3 ingredients in a saucepan and cook until thick. Cool completely. Cream the remaining ingredients very well until fluffy. Add cooled mixture and mix well.