Red Velvet Cake (of Urban Legend Fame) Recipe

Directions:

1. Begin making the cake: cream shortening, sugar, eggs, flavors.
2. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring, add to first mixture.
3. Alternately add flour and buttermilk.
4. Mix soda and vinegar in small bowl; add to batter; blend.
5. Bake in 3-9 or 10 pans for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees; let cool completely
6. Make frosting: cook milk, flour, salt, until thick; stirring constantly; let cool.
7. Cream shortening and sugar very well; add flavors - combine with the first mixture; beat well.
8. Cover cake with frosting.
9. Tell legend while serving.
10. Reference: Brunvand, The Vanishing Hitchhiker, NY: WW Norton, 1981, 154-160; more information coming in Brunvand, The Brain Drain and other Timely Tales Urbana: Univ of Ill Press, 1999.
11. The Adams products, of course, may be substituted if you do not live in Texas or nearby where they are sold.
12. Note from Julie: for St. Patrick's Day, substitute *green* food coloring and make Green Velvet Cake! Or during Halloween, mix red and yellow to make orange.