For years and years

For years and years there has been a tradition in my home. It started when I was very little and it still continues on today in my own home. Every year as long as I can remember we would have a birthday party for Christ on Christmas day night. We would set an extra place at the table for him and eat by candle light and have a very tasty meal. My mom would tell very special Christmas stories and it was always a very special night. I still continue this on. My kids love to hear stories even at the age that they are. After the stories we always have a very special birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday to our savior. I just wanted to share that yummy cake recipe with you and hope that you might want to try it. It is very yummy and the best part is that it is a RED cake. I mean really red. I think this makes it special because it is red, which is significant in so many ways at this time of the year.

Here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy or make it for some fun party. You will be the hit of the party. A friend of mine said that they were making it on the Food Network the other night and she decided that she needed to make it too. So here it is to all of those who love to try something yummy and new. Give it a try and let me know.

Red Velvet Cake

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 Tablespoon cocoa
2 oz red food coloring( it comes in small bottles in the spice part of the grocery store)
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda

Cream sugar and shortening and then add eggs. Make a paste with the cocoa and food coloring in a small bowl. Add to creamed mixture. Mix salt and vanilla with buttermilk and add alternately with the flour to the creamed mixture. Mix baking soda and vinegar in a small cup. Fold into the mixture. Don't beat.
Bake in 9x13 or 2-9 inch round floured and greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. You can check to make sure it is cooked with a toothpick and poke it into the center to make sure it is all cooked.

I hope you enjoy this very special treat and remember the real reason for Christmas.
Merry Christmas from my kitchen to yours.