Red Earth Cake

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 whole eggs
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon red food coloring
3 tablespoons hot coffee
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 cups minus 2 tablespoons flour
1 cup sour milk or buttermilk

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

Make a paste of cocoa, food coloring, coffee and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture. Add vanilla extract and salt. Add flour alternately with sour milk or buttermilk, beating well after each addition, starting and ending with flour. Bake in 2 (8-inch) greased and floured pans for 30 minutes. Let cake cool completely before icing.

Icing
1 box confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 teaspoon red food coloring
3 tablespoons coffee
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix well and spread on cooled cake.