INGREDIENTS
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1/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tablespoons red no-taste gel food coloring
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1/4 cup boiling water
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and softened
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2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, at room temperature
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1 2/3 cups sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups cake flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 1/2 cups sugar
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, soft but cool and cut into small pieces
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 teaspoons cinnamon
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cinnamon imperials candy (optional)