Categories: Cake, Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 ounces red food coloring
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder (heaping)
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°; prepare a 12-cup Bundt pan using butter and flour; set aside.

2. Combine cocoa and red food coloring in a bowl; let mixture stand.

3. In another bowl, cream the shortening and sugar thoroughly; add the eggs and combine.

4. Add in the buttermilk, salt, vanilla, and flour; beat thoroughly.

5. Beat in the vinegar and baking soda by hand; pour the batter into the pan.

6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cake springs back slightly when touched.

7. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting it onto a wire rack or serving platter to cool thoroughly.

8. Topping options: a dusting of powdered sugar, or your favorite cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze.

9. For Halloween: make real-looking blood for a gory touch—combine ½ cup corn syrup, 1 teaspoon red food coloring, and two drops blue food coloring; place in a glass container and shake vigorously; frost with vanilla frosting, then drizzle with fake blood, and add a butcher knife for effect; for the best appearance, use a light hand and practice caution because the mixture can stain.

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