I wanted to offer up something special to celebrate Patsy's birthday on September 8 . In keeping with tradition, I decided on birthday cake, and so I searched around until I found the perfect one for Patsy, one that would do her justice! Serving this most appropriately named Red Velvet Cake, is a terrific way to show our love for Patsy on her birthday. It's a delicious way to honor the life of a woman who has brought so much pleasure to so many. Happy Birthday Patsy Cline ~ the gal with a smooth as velvet voice and a penchant for the color red!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATSY, "WE" Can't Forget YOU!

You'll Need:
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 vinegar
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1) Grease two 9 inch round pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2) Cream shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar WELL. Add eggs and beat well.
3) Make a paste of cocoa and red food coloring. Add to creamed mixture. Mix salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla and buttermilk together. Add alternately the flour with the milk mixture to the creamed mixture. Mix soda and vinegar and FOLD INTO CAKE BATTER. DON'T BEAT OR STIR NOW.
4) Bake for 30 minutes.
5) To Make Icing: Cook 5 Tablespoons flour and milk over low heat till thick, stirring constantly. LET COOL THOROUGHLY! While cooling, cream 1 cups sugar, butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat this well till light and fluffy. Add to flour mixture and beat until of a good spreading consistency. DON'T ICE CAKE TILL COOL.

And Patsy will tell ya, that not only is RED the color men like, but the color cake they like to eat too! Don't forget the candles!

Makes 2 ~ 9" inch pans

This cake recipe was submitted to www.cakerecipe.com by Eleanor Johnson Please visit cakerecipe.com for additional delectable cakes recipes