Recipe: Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake

Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake
Recipe from my Grandmother, Helen Wride

Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 ounce bottle red food color
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Directions:
Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Combine cocoa and food coloring and add to the creamed mixture. Add the salt and vanilla. Add buttermilk alternately with the flour. Mix the vinegar and soda together and fold gently into batter. Do not beat! Spread evenly in 9 x 13 inch prepared baking pan, or 3 9-inch layer pans or two 10-inch square pans. Bake at 350°F for 35 – 40 minutes (9 x 13 inch pan) or 25 – 30 minutes for layers.