CLASSIC RED VELVET CAKE

1/2 cup solid shortening

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 oz liquid red food coloring
3 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp butter flavoring
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour 3 9-inch round cake pans; set aside.

Cream the shortening and sugar together in a large mixing bowl.  Add the eggs, separately and beat well after each one.  Beat in the food coloring, vinegar, butter flavoring, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; add to the sugar mixture alternately with the buttermilk.  Mix until well blended.

Pour batter into the prepared baking pans and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean.  Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes then remove and cool completely on wire racks.

FROSTING:
1 block (8-oz) cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl combine the cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Add the powdered sugar and beat until mixed.  Add the vanilla and beat until smooth and creamy and of spreading consistency.

Place 1 cake on cake plate and top with frosting. Repeat with a second layer.  Top with the third layer and frost top and sides.

I have had this recipe approximately 10 years. I am sure I got it from a Reiman Publication but have no idea which one.