Cake:
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 oz. bottle of red food coloring
3 Tbl. cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbl. vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda

Frosting:
2 packages cream cheese (3 oz. each), softened
6 Tbl. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups sifted powered sugar

Cake:
Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring. Add to first mixture. Alternately add flour and buttermilk. Mix baking soda and vinegar in small bowl; add to batter. Blend. Bake in three 9" or 10" pans for 20 - 25 minutes at 350?. Let cool completely. Cover with frosting.
Frosting:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Recipe by Chari