BLUE VELVET CAKE Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (such as Crisco)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ounce royal blue gel food coloring
• 2 drops violet gel food coloring
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 scant teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
4. In a small bowl, make a paste by combining the royal blue gel food coloring and cocoa powder, then add it to the creamed mixture.
5. Gradually add the salt and flour to the mixture alternately with the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the baking soda and vinegar, then add it to the batter and blend until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool thoroughly in the pans before removing and frosting.