Ingredients:

Cake:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 eggs
3 bottles red food color
2 level tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour (very finely sifted)

Frosting:

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 heaping tablespoons regular white flour
2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

Cake Directions:

1. Cream together butter and sugar.

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Mix red food coloring and cocoa until cocoa is completely dissolved. Add to the above mixture.

4. Add vanilla and almond flavoring, mix well.

5. Mix baking soda and buttermilk.

6. Mixing on low speed, add the flour and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Mix well but do not overbeat to ensure a light fluffy cake.

7. Transfer into two floured and greased 9 inch round cake pans.

8. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 25-30 minutes. Cool.

Frosting Directions:

1. Blend into a small saucepan the 3 tablespoons of flour and the cup of water.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture resembles glue.

3. Cool completely.

4. Cream together 1 cup sugar, 2 sticks butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring.

5. Add the flour mixture and beat at high speed until thoroughly mixed. Frost cooled cake.