1   cup  Shortening
 1½  cup  Sugar
 1   cup  Buttermilk
 1   oz   Red food coloring
 2½  cup  Cake flour  [sifted]
 2        Eggs
 1   tbl  Vinegar
 1   tsp  Baking Soda
 1   tsp  Vanilla
 2   tbl  Cocoa
 1   tsp  Salt
 1   oz   Water
 

Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time and beat well after each.

Make a paste of the cocoa, food coloring and water and add to the creamed mixture.  Add salt.

Add flour to the mixture alternately with the  buttermilk beginning and ending with the flour.

Add vanilla.  Last thing - mix the soda and vinegar together and add to the mixture.

DO  NOT  BEAT  AT  THIS  STAGE,  just fold gently till blended.

Bake in two 9" greased and floured cake pans at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes.