Red Velvet Cake (John & Ceri Gough)

Cake:
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 bottle (1 oz) red food coloring
3 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp butter flavoring
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting:
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tsp vanilla extract

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in food coloring, vinegar, butter flavoring and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.

2. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine frosting ingredients; beat until smooth and creamy. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.