RED VELVET CUPCAKES

2 1/2 C flour

1 t salt

1/2 C unsalted, softened butter

1 1/2 C sugar

2 eggs

2 T cocoa powder

2 oz water

2 oz red food coloring

1 C buttermilk

1 t vanilla

1 t white vinegar

1 t baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; about 5 minutes.  Add eggs, one at a time, and blend well.  Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring and add to butter mixture.  Sift flour and salt into butter mixture.  One at a time, add buttermilk, vanilla and water.  In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and the baking soda.  Fold it into the batter until combined, but do not beat.  Pour the batter into the cupcake tins.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.  Remove from oven and cool for about 10 minutes.  Remove from tin and finish cooling.  Frost with your choice of frosting.