Red Velvet Cake

I love red velvet cake, but the catch is that it has to be a good red velvet cake!  I am half convinced that the people that say they don't like red velvet cake, have just never had a good one.  :0)  Too many red velvet cakes are lacking the subtle chocolaty taste that is a must for the cake to be a winner in my book.  Anywho, Jay and I made this recipe for my dad's 53rd birthday, and it was a big hit! 

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour--sifted
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (I used 3 tablespoons, because in my book, you can never have too much chocolate!!)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 oz red food coloring
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla (always use the real stuff, the imitation vanilla just doesn't cut it!)

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 (340 if you are using a dark, nonstick, or glass pan)
Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish
Cream the butter and sugar.
Add in the eggs one at a time.
In a separate bowl, mix all the dry ingredients.
Add the dry mixture alternately with the buttermilk until it is all combined.
Add in the red food coloring, vinegar, and the vanilla.
Pour into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

Top this with a cream cheese frosting, or try this Praline Frosting:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Bake pecans on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once.
Bring butter, brown sugar, and cream to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring often; boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
Remove from heat, and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Add toasted pecans; stir gently 3 minutes or until frosting begins to cool and thicken slightly.

Seriously, give the praline frosting a try, because you may never go back!  It is SO good!!  Yummy!  I hope you enjoy this cake as much as we have!