Mmmmmm Red Velvet

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons cocoa

4 tablespoons red food coloring

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 cup white sugar

1 cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract  

  These are the ingredients to what may very well be the most popular dessert in my house.  It takes patience, meticulous preparation, and time.  It is the most temperamental dessert I have ever made.  

   Three bowls, measuring tools, a whisk, a spatula, a spoon, the mix master, a  pot, spring form pan, a muffin tin, and a cake plate.   It's enough to ensure a sink full of dishes.  A half hour of mixing, an hour or two of waiting, and fifteen minutes of building.  The secret is in the method...and the time...and the patience.  And the reward is in the smile and "ohhhh my God, soooooooo gooooooooooood"... 

   I'm not sure, really, what I am more grateful for... my love of cooking, my love of Red Velvet cake, or my family's love for my Red Velvet cake.  I know for sure I am grateful for "ohhhh my God, soooooooo gooooooooooood"...