Cake
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup red food coloring
2 tablespoons cocoa
2 1/2 cups cake flour (We prefer Swans Down)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda

Buttercream Frosting
1 1/2 cups water, at room temperature
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla