Red Velvet Cake

A tip before diving in: Read through all instructions before starting :-)

-Cake-

1. 1 teaspoon vinegar + 1 teaspoon baking soda (mix and set aside)

2. 1/2 cup Crisco, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 ounces red food coloring (or however much makes the desired red color), and 2 eggs - cream these together in a large bowl or standing mixer.

3. 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 teaspoon salt (sift together)

4. 1 cup buttermilk

Mix steps (2) and (3) together, then add buttermilk and mix again. Then add the baking soda and vinegar mixture.

Pour in a greased and floured cake pan (9 X 13in).

Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

-Option 1 Icing (the quick and easy option)-

1 cup butter (room temp)

3 cups confectioners sugar

2-3 tablespoons heavy or whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Beat butter until smooth. Add sugar, cream, extract & salt and mix by hand or on low speed until it comes to.

-Option 2 Icing (if you have the time and patience)-

Add 1/4 cup flour, 1 cup milk, pinch of salt to a small pan - Cook on low heat until thick. Set aside (covered) and let cool. Then beat the mixture at high speed until fluffy, set aside.

Mix together 1-2 cups confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup Crisco, 1 stick butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Then add the cooled, fluffed mixture to this. Beat at high speed until icing does not separate.

Spread icing evenly over cooled cake. Keep refrigerated.