Red Velvet Cake

RED VELVET CAKE

I think I've been eating this cake since birth.  My mom made this cake for every birthday my sister has ever had and also for every Christmas, as far as I can remember.  I started making it when I was a teenager.  I shudder at the mistakes I've made in learning how to make it....these are just a few that I can remember:

• Instead of CREAMING the butter and cream cheese together, I melted the butter to mix with the cream cheese.
• Check the oil.  Many people put used oil into another container so it can be used later.  Make sure you have the right bottle!! French fry grease doesn't make the greatest cake.  
• Again, check the oil. As in, don't forget it!  It's a valuable ingredient!!!
• Remove the wax paper.  I always place a circle of wax paper into the cake pan before pouring in the batter.  When the layer is done, you pull away the wax paper.  Well, you're SUPPOSED to.  
• Don't rush.  Ethan had to make a cake for his Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet and we totally forget until the last minute.  Although it did win 5 awards, it was probably the ugliest cake I've ever seen.  We tried to make it blue and gold.  ha! ha!

I've made this cake for several occasions just by changing the colors of the layers, instead of doing red.  Here is our family recipe for homemade Red Velvet Cake.


RED VELVET CAKE

First, mix the dry ingredients together:

• 2 1/2 cups self rising flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tsp cocoa

Second, mix the wet ingredients together:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cup oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2 eggs
• 2 bottles of red food coloring

Third, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.  Mix well in between additions.
Spoon approximately 6T of cake mix into each pan.  (I use 8 inch round cake pans, layered with wax paper, cooking spray and a little flour.)

Bake 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven




 As the layers are baking, you need to make your icing:

• 1/4 lb margarine, softened
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 box confectioners sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup chopped nuts

 Cream the butter and cream cheese together.  Add the vanilla followed by the box of confectioners sugar a spoonful at a time.  When mixed well, stir in the chopped nuts.

After the layers have cooled, apply icing as you normally would.  My mom always cut up pecans and maraschino cherries to put on top.  Don't  forget the milk!!!!!