Red Cake

In honor of Derk's 40th birthday (yes, you read that correctly!) I am posting a recipe for red cake, which in other parts of the world is known as "Red Velvet Cake." When we were younger (MUCH younger!) for every birthday our mom would make us red cake. Our Grandma also would make this and it's a cherished family recipe. Derk has actually made it himself which is quite impressive! He says the frosting is more like a science experiment!

So, Happy Birthday, Derk and I hope everyone enjoys the recipe for Red Cake!

Cake

1 cube butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 Tbsp cocoa

2 1-oz bottles red food coloring

1 Tbsp vinegar

1 1/2 tsp soda

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup buttermilk

2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat until combined. Make paste of cocoa and food coloring, add to creamed mixture. Put vinegar with soda, fold in with vanilla, buttermilk and cake flour. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Frosting

1 cup milk

5 Tbsp flour

2 cubes butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Cook milk and flour together until thick. Cool. Beat 2 cubes butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add 1 tsp vanilla. Add cooled flour mixture. Continue beating until consistency of whipping cream.