My grandma threw a 50th birthday party for her friend, well actually, I have become to consider her a friend of mine too. My contribution to the party was to make cupcakes.  I only had one problem, my husband probably ate close to a dozen before I even left for the party.

Red Velvet Cupakes

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 ounces red food coloring

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cocoa

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

DIRECTIONS

Cream shortening, sugar and add eggs.

Make a paste of the cocoa and food coloring, add to the cream mixture.

Add milk and flour alternately.

Combine vinegar and baking soda and fold into mixture.

Add salt and vanilla.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Butter Cream Icing

INGREDIENTS

½ cup butter

½ cup shortening (you can use another ½ cup butter if you prefer)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla

1 dash salt

4 cups powder sugar

3 Tablespoons milk (you can use water if you prefer)

DIRECTIONS

Cream butter, shortening and vanilla together

Add all the other ingredients and mix until smooth

I always add more sugar or more milk to get my desired consistency.  I also use this recipe and add peanut butter and/or cocoa for a flavored butter cream.