Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake

This recipe is from a family friend, Myrtle Sims, who makes the absolutely best Red Velvet Cake on the planet! Cream together: 1 - 4-1/2 Tbs instant cocoa 3 oz Red food coloring 3/4 cup shortening 2 cups sugar Add 3 eggs to the creamed mixture; mix well. Add 3-1/2 cups flour to the mixture, a little at a time. Add 1-1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1-1/2 tsp. vinegar, 1-1/2 cups buttermilk, and 1 Tbs vanilla; mix well. Pour into 3 round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees until toothpick in center comes out clean (approx. 25 minutes). Frosting: Cream together: 1-1/2 cups sugar 1 stick butter, softened 1 Tbs shortening Add 4-1/2 Tbs flour (1 Tbs at a time), 3/4 cup milk (room temperature), dash of salt, and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat with mixer until stiff, like whipped cream. Use for layers and to frost outside of cake. YES - - this cake IS a lot of work, but believe me, once you taste it, you will know that it was worth every minute!