1.) With an electric mixer, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. 2.) Beat in eggs, one at a time. 3.) In a small bowl, make a paste of food coloring, vanilla and cocoa. Blend into the shortening mixture. 4.) Gradually mix in flour and buttermilk, alternating each. 5.) When the flour is completely mixed in, combine baking soda and vinegar; quickly add to batter. 6.) Grease and flour 2-9" round cake pans. Fill them 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

This works very well with a peppermint frosting. From: Anastasia@atlantic-Online.Com (An