My mom used to make this when I was little. It is a very rich and elegant cake. The frosting is very unusual tasting in that it is almost like a custard.
INGREDIENTS (for 2 servings):
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 ounces red food coloring
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION:
Cream together the shortening, sugar, and eggs.
Make a paste with food coloring and cocoa. Add to shortening mixture.
Add salt and buttermilk to mixture.
Next add flour, vanilla, vinegar, and baking soda in that order. Mix.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in two 8 inch round greased and floured cake pans. Let cool.
To Make Frosting: Cook 5 tablespoons flour and 1 cup milk until thick, and then cool.
Cream together 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 cup butter or margarine and 1 teaspoon vanilla 'til fluffy. Add to flour mixture.
Cut layers of cake in half lengthwise. Spread frosting on each half layer. Stack and frost over all.